Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog (2019) Movie Script
1
[bright gentle music]
[townspeople chattering]
[bicycle bell dinging]
[people chattering]
- [girl] Another one.
- [woman] Shh, honey.
Don't shout at her.
- Good girl.
- Push Anya, push.
That's right, Anya,
it's coming out.
Look at that little head.
[Shoshonna] Oh, I know
it's hard, I know, I know.
- [man] The miracle of nature.
- [Shoshonna] Oh, so sweet.
What shall we name this one?
- Joseph.
- Joseph?
Can't you see that it's a girl?
Don't you even know
the difference
between a boy and a girl?
I said Josephine,
didn't I, Mama?
Yeah, perhaps you did.
There's another one in there.
Are you sure, Papa?
[Rachel] Of course
he's sure, he's a doctor.
[Joshua] But not of dogs.
[Anya whimpering]
Anya, shh,
it's not easy, I know.
But soon you can rest,
good girl.
Oh, a little one.
- What shall we name...
- Him, see it's a him.
[Joshua] Yes,
I can see it's a him.
[puppy whimpering]
[Samuel] What about Kaleb?
It means dog in Hebrew.
Welcome to the world,
little Kaleb.
[singing in German on radio]
[puppies barking]
[Joshua]
Come on, Kaleb, Kaleb.
[singing continues]
[puppies barking]
[Joshua] There you go,
little Kaleb, delicious.
[Shoshonna]
Please don't do that.
They're hungry.
Come here, Josephine.
Don't give
the puppies people food,
and stop calling their names.
It will make you too
attached to them.
Hello, little Kaleb.
[Samuel]
Your mother said no names.
Hello, little puppy.
Mm, you can call them by
their numbers instead of names.
[Joshua] Hello, number four.
[Samuel] We must make
plans for the dogs.
What kind of plans?
Go ahead Shoshonna,
explain it to them.
We have to find homes for
them, they can't all live here.
We can't give them away.
Maybe not all of them,
we can keep one?
How can we pick out one?
We love them all.
We will find good
homes for them.
They can't be separated.
They're brothers and sisters.
What if someone told you
you had to pick Rachel or me?
Would you be able to do that?
I don't think that would
be a very difficult choice.
[Samuel] It's not the same.
Even if times were good,
we can't have five dogs,
including Anya.
We're not a kennel.
Eat your schnitzel.
[bright gentle music]
[children chattering]
[puppies yelping]
[bright gentle music continues]
[man] Are these puppies
pure German Shepherd?
As far as we know.
What is the price for them?
We are not asking for money,
only good homes.
[man]
Do you have papers for them?
No I am sorry, we don't.
Then how do we know
if they're pure bred?
Karl Gustav here is
100 percent German Rottweiler.
Perfect pedigree
and pure lineage.
- How nice.
- There might be some
mixed terrier blood, or
something French in there.
- Of course.
- [girl] Mama, Mama,
look, puppies!
- I like this one.
- [puppies yelping]
We are not giving
this one away.
But that's the one I want.
Some of the others are
just as nice and bigger.
Come, come, Kaleb.
There's something
wrong with this dog.
He's crazy,
and he bites little girls.
He's bitten my sister several
times, hasn't he, Rachel?
Yeah, he bit me in
the neck and the eye.
I had to go to the hospital.
- [girl whimpering]
- Come along, Harriet.
Thanks, Rachel.
[soft uneasy music]
- [Rachel] Poor Anya.
- [Anya whimpering]
[music continues]
[townspeople chattering]
[Shoshonna speaking German]
[townspeople chattering]
You stay, Anya.
You're not allowed
into the bakery.
[townspeople chattering]
[chattering fades]
[Samuel] It's only the bakery.
And tomorrow it
will be the florist,
then the seamstress,
then the food market.
There is danger
forming around us.
Just try to keep
this from the children.
Keep it from them?
They saw the sign in the window.
They understand what is
happening better than you do.
It will subside,
it will have to.
And these new Nuremberg Laws,
do you know what
is written there?
It says, "For the protection
of German blood
and German honor."
We are fifth-generation German,
our children sixth.
Yes, and all of a sudden
we are no longer
the right breed of Germans.
[gentle thoughtful music]
[doorbell ringing]
[door opens]
[Samuel]
Come in, please, everybody.
[Shoshonna]
Good evening, everybody.
[Mr. Komorsky] Happy to
see you both, we love it.
[Samuel] Hello, sir.
Everybody's fine, and welcome.
This is Baruch Zonnenfeld,
a doctor who went
to school with me,
and this is the Komorsky family.
[people speaking German]
[Shoshonna]
Hello, how are you?
I'm fine, I hope you don't
mind that I brought Kugel.
Oh this is very nice of you,
but we don't eat
Kugel on Passover.
[chuckling] Uh, Kugel.
[hosts and guests laughing]
- Everybody, of course.
- Oh, of course, of course.
Every creature should celebrate
the Festival of Freedom.
- Come on.
- Oh, thank you.
- Come, come, come.
- Go on, Kugel.
Please, go with Mrs. Sherman.
Go to the table.
Come on, the table's
ready, please everybody.
[Mrs. Komorsky] Oh, what
a beautiful Seder table.
[Shoshonna] Thank you.
[speaking Hebrew]
The greens are a symbol
of spring,
and the miracle of nature,
and we dip it in the salt water
as a symbol to remind
us of the tears
shed by
the oppressed Israelites.
[all singing in Hebrew]
[dogs howling]
[all applauding]
[man] We cannot complete the
Seder without the middle matzah,
the afikomen.
[children cheering]
[upbeat music]
[woman singing in Hebrew]
Where is it, Kaleb?
[music continues]
That's it boy, you found it?
- I got it.
- Oh no.
- You are amazing.
- [Rachel groaning]
[adults clapping]
[Mr. Komorsky] Come, Joshua,
come, I have something for you.
[coins clinking]
[adults applauding]
[sniffs]
Mm, this is interesting.
Is this is a new
flavor of matzah?
[all singing in Hebrew]
[townspeople chattering]
Come, Kaleb.
- Why aren't they in school?
- [Samuel] They were sent home.
It's Joshua's fault.
Joshua passed note to a girl
in his class, Lena Lingmeyer.
They said it was a love letter.
I wrote that
I thought she was pretty.
[Samuel] She's the daughter
of an SS officer,
and therefore it was
considered a travesty.
The teacher said that
Joshua and Rachel
will no longer be
welcome in the school.
I can no longer go to school
because Joshua got into trouble.
I did nothing, this is not fair.
It is time to
tell them the truth.
- There is no truth.
- [Rachel] What is happening?
It's just for the time being.
And when I go back,
will I be in the same class
as all my friends?
Yes, yes, of course you will.
But in the meantime,
we will study here.
Your father and
I will teach you.
[fist pounding]
- Mrs. Matilda Schreiver?
- [Matilda] Yeah.
Are you here by yourself?
[Matilda]
Only the children are home.
The Nuremberg Law
does not permit Jews
to employ domestics
under the age of 45.
The people are not
aus Juden.
- They are good Jews.
- Good Jews?
The only good Jews
are in Dachau.
Listen, you are an Aryan.
You clean the floors of Jews.
Don't you think you
deserve better than this?
[Matilda] They treat me very
well and this is the work I do.
[man]
Earning a living is important,
but purity of the race
is more important.
You must leave immediately.
We will be back to check
that you are no
longer working here.
- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.
[soft somber music]
I am truly, truly sorry
that I'm not yet 45 years old.
I'm very, very sorry.
You have been very kind to me.
Thank you for everything.
You have been a great
part of our family.
- You wanted to talk to me?
- Let's walk.
I'm saying goodbye.
Bought a ticket for
myself and my dog,
getting a train
to Italy tomorrow,
and from there
sailing to Palestine.
You of course heard of
the latest prohibition.
No.
Jews are no longer
able to own pets.
[sighing]
This dog is all I have,
I have no family.
What are you
waiting for, Samuel?
Get out before it's too late.
I don't think there's a
need to be overly dramatic.
This time there is.
We won't be able to find
someone to take both of them.
Perhaps Matilda can take Anya,
and we find someone
else for Kaleb.
[Shoshonna sighing]
It is so good to
see you, Matilda.
- Do you remember my husband?
- Yes, yes of course.
- Gabriel.
- Of course.
Nice-looking dog.
I told you so,
and she's very obedient.
Watch, sit.
Do you think you
can take Kaleb also?
[Gabriel] No, just one dog.
- You'd better be going.
- Yes.
This is her food and...
[crying]
this is her favorite blanket.
- Go on.
- Come, Anya.
- Go, go, go.
- [Kaleb whimpering]
No, stay Kaleb.
He misses his mother.
Why did Matilda take Anya?
I don't understand.
When bad people make
rules for other people,
no good can ever come out of it.
Is this also
because we are Jewish?
- Yes.
- Then let's not be Jewish.
Let's become Catholic, and we
can keep and have everything
that everybody else has.
[chuckling] We are Jewish,
and be grateful
you have a wonderful family,
don't ever forget that.
[townspeople chattering]
[horns honking]
[man and woman speaking German]
Should we have
some chocolates?
Really, Mama,
we can have chocolate?
Yes, one.
- Good afternoon, Dr. Sherman.
- Please, come in.
I'm Frank Heinz and was told
by your patient, Alda, that--
Yes, yes, yes, please.
Thank you, please.
- Will they still let us in?
- Yes, yes.
- One chocolate, please.
- Hello, hello.
Do you want some chocolate?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
You'll find that Kaleb is
an unusual dog, very smart.
But if everything's all right,
perhaps you should leave
before the children come home.
Are they not in school?
[soft poignant music]
Auf Wiedersehen,
our beloved little pup.
Frank and his wife will
take good care of you.
[music continues]
[speaking Hebrew]
May the Lord bless thee
and keep thee, and may
his grace shine upon thee,
and be gracious with thee
for all the days your life.
[music continues]
- Come Kaleb, Kaleb.
- [Kaleb whining]
Come on, come.
[engine rumbling]
- We had chocolate.
- I saved you a piece, Papa.
Kaleb, Kaleb.
Why wasn't Kaleb at the door?
[Rachel] What is it?
So Joshua,
you have to be strong.
We had to give Kaleb away.
We could do nothing, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, he cannot come home.
No! [sobbing]
Why? No.
[hooves clopping]
Kaleb, Kaleb,
come out now, come on.
Now, it's all right.
Okay, come, come upstairs.
Here is your new
home, I'll show you.
Come, come.
I brought you a surprise.
Do you remember
what my father said
when I told him that we
were getting married?
I assume this is a
rhetorical question.
He said, "Frank is a nice man,
but he does things
without thinking."
When I brought Norbert,
you were not excited at first.
That's not true,
I loved Norbert
from the minute I saw him.
Where did you get this dog?
[Frank]
From the Sherman family.
How could you have
thought that a dog from Jews
could replace Norbert?
What in the world do
you call this thing?
- Kaleb.
- What a stupid name.
A name can be changed,
how about we call him Norbert?
The water in Norbert's
bowl is still clear,
and you want to give his
name to a Jewish dog?
What's wrong with you?
Let me think of a new name.
How about Wilhelm,
it sounds good.
Greta, Frank, and
the Wilhelm Heinz.
I don't want this dog.
Either you return him
to where you got him,
or you take care of
him all by yourself.
[Kaleb yelping]
[soft somber music]
[Rachel and Joshua laughing]
[Greta] Frank, can you
hurry up, we're late.
Back in your place.
- [Frank] We'll return soon.
- What a dreadful dog.
I don't understand it.
He was so lively
at the Shermans'.
Perhaps he only likes Jews.
Let's go Frank.
[Frank] Look what I got for
you at the butcher.
Here you go boy,
it's all right. [chuckling]
[Greta] Frank, let's go.
And whoever desires to
love life and see good days,
let him keep his
tongue from evil,
and his lips from
speaking deceit.
For the eyes of the Lord
are on the righteous.
[Kaleb panting]
[gentle whimsical music]
As Jesus said, "What
good is it for someone
to gain the whole world,
yet forfeit their soul?"
[music continues]
[fabric tearing]
- [priest] Go in peace.
- [organ music]
Do you think that because
Jesus was so light of weight,
he was able to walk on water?
Not like me, where
there's my bowel.
You would've
drowned in a second.
Mm.
[Frank] Well, the priest is a
good speaker, I think.
The priest was nice.
Darling,
let's have a cup of tea.
Oh mein Gott ,
do you see what he did?
You idiot, you idiot!
You stupid, bad dog. [grunting]
[Frank] Wilhelm.
[thunder rumbling]
[rain splattering]
[soft curious music]
[thunder crashing]
[Kaleb whining]
[soft uneasy music]
Boy, I can't imagine
why you returned.
You know how many times I've
thought of doing what you did?
My life is hell.
Just as you live out of my hand,
that's the way
I live out of hers.
I wasn't able to make much
of myself in this life.
That's okay, boy,
it'll be all right.
Careful please.
This way.
Careful.
Right there.
Good, take that.
[workmen groaning]
If you do anything to this
chair, I'll have you killed.
[Kaleb whimpering]
Hey, lady, your dog.
[Greta speaking German]
[tense uneasy music]
[music continues]
[train whistle blowing]
[music continues]
[townspeople chattering]
[music continues]
[Kaleb panting]
- Who's dog is this?
- Hey you, stop.
[woman] Where is he going?
He seems to know
his way around here.
Do you think it is possible
he used to live here?
Well, he does
not live here now.
- Don't touch him.
- Get out.
Come here, you bad dog.
- I said come here.
- [Kaleb growling]
He seems hungry.
- That is not our problem.
- [Kaleb growling]
I'll go and see if there's
something in the garbage.
- [Kaleb barking]
- [man] Don't you do that.
Quiet, you.
Look what I have
for you, hungry dog.
- [Kaleb growling]
- Come on, come on.
Come here, come on, come on.
Look, look, okay go.
[insects chirping]
[soft poignant music]
[music continues]
Peter, you are not
going to believe this.
- Look at that.
- [Peter] Go away, go home.
You really must
leave us alone now.
[townspeople chattering]
[Kaleb whining]
[music continues]
[feet stomping]
[Hitler Youth singing
in German]
[singing continues]
[engine rumbling]
[wind whooshing]
[Kaleb barking]
Look at this dog,
he's following us.
Can we take him home?
Don't go near him,
he's a street dog.
- He could have rabies.
- [Kaleb barking]
[soft uneasy music]
[Kaleb growling]
[tense music]
[dogs barking]
[soft curious music]
[dogs barking]
[tense music]
[barking]
[soft gentle music]
[trash can clattering]
[dogs panting]
[dogs barking]
[dogs growling]
[tense music]
[dogs barking]
[dogs snarling]
[Hitler Youth
speaking German]
[boy shouting]
- Leave me alone.
- [Hitler Youth speaking German]
[dog barking]
[boy screaming]
[tense music]
[kicks thudding]
[dogs barking]
[Hitler Youth
speaking German]
[boy screaming]
[dogs panting]
[soft poignant music]
[dog whimpering]
[dogs panting]
[soft poignant music continues]
[dog barking]
[tense uneasy music]
[dogs barking]
[dogs whimpering]
[soft tense music]
[cart rumbling]
Good morning, number 120.
You are a handsome dog.
Have the drugs worn off yet?
Soon Dr. Plechtner will be here.
He is the regional veterinarian,
and you want him to select you.
When the doctor looks at you,
look back at him straight
in the eye and growl.
The doctor likes you when
you have the killer instinct.
- [dogs barking]
- Right, right, right.
Left, right.
- [dog whimpering]
- Oh, left, left.
[Kaleb barking]
- What do we have here?
- [Kaleb barking]
- That one's perfect. Right.
- [dogs barking]
[soft somber music]
[engines rumbling]
[trainers speaking German]
[whistles blowing]
[man] Calm down.
[Kaleb whimpering]
Shh, shh, shh.
[Kaleb barking]
First, we must find
a name for you.
- Blitz will be your name.
- [Kaleb barking]
Blitz, come here, Blitz.
Welcome.
This is good for you.
I'm not going to
hurt you, I promise.
Curse the bloodsucker.
Blitz, my friend,
you really needed this bath.
Underneath all this filth,
we might just find a
good-looking dog, huh?
[dogs barking]
[trainers speaking German]
[Kaleb growling]
Fine, fine, Blitz, fine.
[Kaleb growling]
[Ralph speaking German]
[Kaleb growling]
[target shouting]
[Ralph speaking German]
[soft somber music]
[Kaleb growling]
Blitz has learned a new trick
that you all have not yet seen.
[trainers chattering]
- Heil Hitler.
- [trainers laughing]
[engine rumbling]
[soldiers chattering]
Achtung!
We are here to perform
an actual military task.
This will be an important test
for both you and
your dog, now go.
This time is for real, Blitz.
[speaks German]
[tense uneasy music]
[soldiers chattering]
[tense uneasy music continues]
[Kaleb sniffing]
- [Kaleb barking]
- In here.
[soldiers chattering]
[furniture clattering]
- No no, please.
- [soldiers chattering]
[soft somber music]
Well done, Blitz,
you did an excellent job.
[trainers chattering in German]
Ralph.
Is your dog pure
German Shepherd?
The truth is,
I don't really know.
They've got him from the pound,
but he certainly looks purebred.
Your dog found more Jews
than all the other
dogs put together.
Yes, he certainly seems
to have a nose for them.
[chuckling] Well, keep
up the good work with him,
and I will promise
you a prime assignment
at the end of the course.
Thank you, sir,
thank you very much.
What an amazing
dog you are, Blitzie.
Even before I finish
teaching you something,
you already know it.
Who was I up until now?
Just another trainer
in life, doggie.
But now, even Jurgen Klein
knows who I am.
Don't you worry, I haven't
forgotten for a moment
that at least half of
the achievement is yours.
- [group applauding]
- Ralph Gerstler.
On this day of September 13th,
Herr Ralph Gerstler has
completed the training course
to the satisfaction
of the Reich,
and becomes an official
trainer of the SS.
And to his dog, Blitz,
for his service as well.
- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.
[group laughing and applauding]
[train rattling]
All right.
- Heil Hitler.
- [soldiers] Heil Hitler.
Things run beautifully
here at this work camp.
That means that each
person knows his job well,
so that all I have to do is
supervise from a distance.
At night I can sleep well,
because I have a good
staff that I can rely on.
I hope that all of you newcomers
will uphold the level
of our excellence.
Ralph, I want to talk
to you about something.
Your dog against mine,
the stinking Ukrainians
would pay good money
to see a dog fight.
What do you say?
No, that's not what
I trained him for.
Blitz is not a dog
for dog fights,
and the money of the
Ukrainians doesn't interest me.
"The money of the Ukrainians
doesn't interest me."
Money interests all of us.
Sometimes I think if we
compare the qualities of man
to the qualities of dogs,
the dogs would easily win.
What are you talking about?
We insist on making war even
after we sniffed each other.
We are not content with
pissing on someone's territory.
We have to conquer it.
But we don't crap in
the middle of the street.
Ah yes, I guess for
that we can be admired.
Oh Blitzie, what would
I do here without you?
I swear you the most human
creature in this whole place.
[man speaking German over
loudspeaker]
[soldier]
Out, out, hurry up.
[soldier 2] Come on,
keep moving.
[soldier] hurry up.
- Out. Silence.
- [whistle blasting]
[soft somber music]
You will be divided
into groups for work.
All males go to the right,
women to the left.
[crowd chattering]
[soldier] Women will be sent
a nearby work camp.
If you want to see
something, just let me know.
Don't dislocate
my shoulder, just ask.
- [child] Mommy, no, Mommy.
- [soldier] Let go, let go.
[soft tense music]
[whistles blaring]
[Ralph]
What's the matter, Blitz?
[Kaleb barking]
[soft somber music]
[soldiers chattering]
[dogs barking]
[Joshua crying]
[soft somber music]
[man] Out of the depth, have
I cried onto thee, oh Lord,
I cried upon the
Lord in distress.
Rise up Lord and let thine
enemies be scattered.
- So much praying.
- Let the man be.
- Amen.
- Amen, Amen.
[man]
Look what I have fit in here.
See, my beautiful wife and
my son and my daughter,
all of them gone.
[crying]
There is a guard who has a dog
who looks just like
the dog I used to have.
Go to sleep.
[Joshua]
When I look at that dog,
I remember when we
were all together,
my mother and father and sister.
One day, they came and
pulled us out of our house,
and they put us in
different trucks,
and I never saw them again.
Do you know how I can find them?
Try to fall asleep if you can.
[soldiers chattering in German]
What are you looking at,
you little filthy Jewish boy?
I wasn't looking at anything.
- Your liar.
- [Joshua choking]
[Kaleb barking]
[soldier shouting]
Your dog attacked me,
I will kill him.
- [Joshua] No!
- No, no, please.
Blitz is one of the
best-trained dogs in the camp.
Please Dr. Schneider, I really
don't know what happened.
I will shoot this
dog through the head.
Get back to work, all of you!
[soldiers shouting in German]
If you shoot the dog,
you will have to kill me too.
[soldiers shouting in German]
Come.
That bastard
almost broke your neck.
These people are animals.
[praying in Hebrew]
Why do you pray so much?
If there were a God,
he would not let this
be happening to us.
No one is listening to you.
The important thing is,
that I can hear the prayer.
[speaking Hebrew]
[soldiers speaking
German]
[soldier] Come here.
My dog has obviously taken
some kind of interest in you.
- What is your dog's name?
- [Ralph] Blitz.
May I pet him?
I'd rather that you didn't.
You see, he probably needs
the company of a child.
I used to have
a dog like this.
Oh really, what was his name?
Kaleb.
[Ralph] So you had a
dog and you like animals.
Very much.
Follow me.
[speaking German]
Perhaps you would like to work
feeding and cleaning
the animals' cages.
Your small size would
be good for that.
I would like that very much.
Then I will arrange for it.
[bird cawing]
[pigs snorting]
This is for the animals only.
He really does seem to like you.
Yes.
[Ralph] The bread crumbs are for
the chickens and ducks.
The peas and vegetables
for the pigs.
If you eat or steal one crumb
of food, you will be shot.
Do you understand that?
- Yes.
- Fine, then begin.
[soft poignant music]
- It's you Kaleb, isn't it?
- [Kaleb whimpering]
Isn't it?
[fence sparking]
You can trust that boy?
Yes, of course, but what
difference does it make?
He'll eventually wind up in
a pit with everyone else.
[soldier] Well, I'm quite
impressed with your dog.
[Ralph] He's the
most intelligent dog
that I've come across
in my entire life,
he understands everything.
So what do you intend to
do after the war is over?
I'd like to study engineering,
or religious studies.
You don't want to
continue training animals?
- Perhaps.
- All right.
Sorry to cut short
our little stroll,
but tomorrow is a busy day.
We have a new train
load coming in.
No, no, no. [crying]
- It's all right, Mr. Glavsky.
- [man] Wake up, wake up.
- [Joshua] It's all right.
- Wake up.
- [Joshua] Mr. Glavsky.
- Close your eyes.
I can't stop.
That day, I was a
priest in a small church
near the mountains.
I spoke out against the
cruelty of this regime.
Some people from my
parish supported me,
and the soldiers
came and shot them,
right in front of my eyes.
I wish they would
have shot me instead.
How much longer
can we survive this?
If we use everything we
know, all of us together,
we can escape from here.
How do you intend to get
past the electrified fence?
And how will you escape the
Ukrainians and the dogs?
[ducks quacking]
Hello, Rivka,
how are you today?
- [pigs grunting]
- Eat something, Shlomo.
You look too thin.
[gate squeaking]
There, Kaleb.
[Joshua grunting]
- Did you bring us any food?
- I can't.
They're watching me to make
sure I don't steal anything.
At night, we come there
and help you get some of it.
No, it is too dangerous.
Starving to
death is dangerous.
[geese honking]
[soft tense music]
[pigs grunting]
[geese honking]
[chickens clucking]
Don't forget the
small packages.
I won't forget, everything
will arrive on time.
That's all? Is that all?
[Glavsky spitting]
[speaking Hebrew]
It's just a few breadcrumbs.
It doesn't require
two blessings.
[rain pattering]
[dogs barking]
Tell the dogs good night.
- Was it delicious then?
- Yes.
[gate squeaking]
[Ralph] What is he doing?
Uh, that's his way of
telling me he wants more.
Well, he can't eat it all.
He has to give some
to the other dogs.
Put him on a leash
and bring him to me.
[Joshua] Yes sir.
The boy knows what
would happen to him
if he would so much has touch
this food for himself, right?
Oh, yes.
[chuckling] Blitzie, Blitz.
[whistles blasting]
[siren blaring]
[Ralph] Blitz! [speaking German]
[Kaleb growling]
[Ralph speaking German]
[sirens blaring]
[Officer] This dog is a
true servant of the Reich.
[dog barking]
What do we have here?
And this accidentally
fell into your pocket.
I told you what would
happen if you were caught
stealing food from
the animals, didn't I?
[tense uneasy music]
[Joshua panting]
Shame on you.
Before you kill me, there's
one thing you should know.
All this time that I took care
of Blitz, as you call him,
I was not taking care
of your dog, but my dog.
His name is Kaleb.
What are you talking about?
He was born on a Tuesday
at 11:30 in the morning,
and has three
brothers and sisters.
So you see, Herr Gerstler,
your beloved Blitz
is really a Jewish dog.
That's most unfortunate
news, turn around.
[fist thudding]
[dogs barking]
Come, we must go.
Wait, come on, Kaleb.
[dogs barking]
[Kaleb whining]
Come, come, Kaleb.
Kaleb, Kaleb, come, come, come.
- Kaleb let's go, come.
- [whistles blaring]
Kaleb, come.
Kaleb, come with me now, Kaleb.
- Kaleb, no.
- [sirens blaring]
No, no, Kaleb, Kaleb.
Kaleb come, come, come here.
Kaleb, Kaleb.
[sirens blaring]
[Kaleb barking]
- [escapees shouting]
- Where is he going?
[man screaming]
[Joshua] Just follow him.
[soldiers shouting]
[sirens blaring]
[fence sparking]
[escapee shouting]
[gunfire blasting]
[tense dramatic music]
[soldiers shouting]
[horse whinnying]
[gunfire blasting]
[escapees shouting]
[sirens blaring]
[insects chirping]
[owl hooting]
[gasping] It hurts.
Oh my God.
You were hit.
[speaking Hebrew]
I think the bullet
might still be in you.
If I had a knife, maybe
I could get it out,
but this wound has
to be disinfected.
Should I go get something?
The forest is crawling
with Germans and their dogs.
We'll wait until the sun rises.
It's your job to
guard us now, Kaleb,
with your good ears,
to make sure no one
is coming close to us.
Am I going to die?
[man] Try to lie still.
I've been a good man.
Yes, you have.
Maybe now I can see
my Getel in heaven.
My dear friend.
I'm grateful that
I will die a free man,
here in God's beautiful forest,
and not in that den of iniquity.
[leaves crunching]
Our fellow prisoners will
never even have a burial.
Come, let's go.
I think Mr. Neuman
would like it
if we say a prayer for him.
[speaking Hebrew]
[tense uneasy music]
Where are we going?
We have to keep moving south,
maybe towards Yugoslavia.
And according to where the
sun is rising and setting,
we are going south.
But we must find food and water.
[tense uneasy music]
[Joshua] What is it, Kaleb?
[gasping]
[man] Go down there.
You are small, it will
be easier for you.
I will watch you from here, go.
[soft tense music]
Kaleb, you stay with me, Kaleb.
[soft tense music continues]
[horse whinnying]
[fabric ripping]
There.
[water sloshing]
[rooster crowing]
In case you are hungry.
Let's go get it.
No, no, it could be an ambush.
Let's go.
Don't worry,
we will do you no harm.
- Are you lost?
- [man] No.
My son and I, we, our
home was destroyed and my,
my wife didn't make it.
[man] I'm sorry to hear that.
Beautiful dog.
Thank you.
Come on in.
- Come.
- Just come.
- It will be warm inside.
- Yeah, it'll be all right.
We can allow you to sleep
here, but only for one night.
It's very dangerous these days,
if you understand
what I'm saying.
And you would have
to sleep in the barn.
That would be fine.
We very much appreciate it.
- Just one night.
- Yes.
[car approaching]
[soldiers speaking German]
[rain pattering]
[soldiers speaking German]
Joshua, you and
Kaleb crawl under here now.
No, no, we can't
go without you.
Now, right now,
before it's too late.
And remember to watch where
the sun rises and sets,
and keep running to the south.
- No.
- Go.
[banging]
[soldier shouting in German]
[dog barking]
[tense music]
[soldiers speaking German]
[tense uneasy music]
[Joshua panting]
[sighing] I know,
Kaleb, I know.
This one is mine.
[owl hooting]
It's just us now.
Do you think Mama
and Papa and Rachel
could also be somewhere
in the forest?
What would I do
without you, Kaleb?
I don't want that you
just listen to me,
and never tell me your thoughts.
I will try to understand
your thoughts.
[soft uneasy music]
Blitz will be your name.
[rain pattering]
[Joshua shouting]
[bells tolling in distance]
[Joshua]
It must be Palm Sunday.
I remember the people
across the way
used to carry these flowers.
So that must mean
it's Passover too.
Papa.
Mama.
Rachel.
Our guests, that you
always have at Seder...
and me.
[leaves rustling]
[Joshua singing in
Hebrew]
When we dip this
in the salt water,
it will remind us of the tears
that the Jewish people shed
when they were in
the land of Egypt.
[wolf howling in distance]
Remember when you
were a little puppy,
and you found the afikomen?
Well, actually we...
I cheated,
because I put the smell
of meat on the matzah.
Sometimes I worry
that you miss Ralph.
It's hard for you to
understand who he really was.
He loved you and
really cared for you.
But I love you too.
[Kaleb panting]
[bomb exploding]
[soft tense music]
[Kaleb sniffing]
[soft tense music continues]
[birds calling]
Don't move, who are you?
Joshua.
My name is Sasha Petrovich.
- Did Kaleb bring you?
- [Sasha] Who's Kaleb?
- My dog.
- No.
Kaleb?
We can't take on the
responsibility of a child,
and an injured one.
We are Yugoslavian partisans,
you are safe with us.
We will protect you.
We can't have a child with us.
He's no longer a child
with what he's gone through.
Pick him up and
take him with us.
I--I can't go without Kaleb.
The most important
thing is your own life.
Pick him up.
[Joshua crying]
[partisans chattering]
[somber music]
[Kaleb yelping, barking]
Trees and darkness at night
are your most loyal allies.
The winter is your friend,
since the days are short
and the nights long.
Do you understand
everything I'm saying?
Otherwise,
you will never get out.
Always let your enemy
have the illusion
that he is chasing you.
Your real power lies in
the element of surprise.
- That's what Kaleb does.
- [Sasha] Kaleb?
My dog.
Oh yes, you must
forget about this dog.
Whatever you do,
don't actually shoot a gun.
It will make too much noise.
It's a fine gun, isn't it?
I don't really like guns.
These days, it will
be your best friend.
Kaleb is my best friend.
It's quite beautifully made.
I took it myself from
the shoulder of a Nazi.
Aim at the bottles.
[gun blasting]
[Kaleb whining]
I told you not to shoot the gun.
[tense music]
- You want Germans here?
- It was an accident.
There's no room
for accidents here.
- It was my fault.
- [leaves rustling]
- Shh.
- She told me not to--
You see what you have done?
[Joshua] No, no!
Kaleb, no, don't shoot,
don't shoot.
- It's Kaleb. Kaleb.
- [Kaleb whining]
I knew you would find me.
We will divide
into three squads.
The first squad
will put an ambush
on the road to the village.
The second will go into a house
to take the food and
clothing we need.
The third group will attack
the German soldiers
patrolling the area.
Any questions from anyone?
Yes, Joshua?
Am I going on
this assignment too?
Perhaps, I'm not sure yet.
[rooster crowing]
[tense uneasy music]
Hello, is someone there?
- Hello?
- [man] Come in.
Oh, no no, no.
No, don't hurt us.
Oh my God, please, no.
No, no, no, not the
animals, please.
- They keep us alive.
- [tense uneasy music]
[partisans chattering]
[partisans cheering]
[partisans singing
in foreign language]
[partisans speaking
in foreign language]
Joshua, you helped
us a lot today.
Thank you.
But you cannot stay with us,
it's too difficult.
It's too dangerous
for us and for you.
But where can I go?
We managed to borrow some
money from the farmers today,
and we'll buy you a
passage to Palestine.
- Palestine?
- You will be safe there.
Please, let me stay with you.
[insects chirping]
Here's for the boy's passage,
and I've also
brought you the dog.
Be brave little man,
you will have a better life.
Come, we must hurry.
You cannot take
the dog with you.
No, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no.
Kaleb is coming with me.
We have no room for a dog.
He's part of the payment for
your passage, he's mine now.
No, Kaleb is coming with me.
We are letting you go
because you are a child
and you are alone.
This is why I have Kaleb,
so I don't have to be alone.
He's staying here.
No Kaleb, Kaleb.
- Kaleb, no, Kaleb!
- [Kaleb barking]
Kaleb, Kaleb, come,
come, Kaleb, Kaleb.
- No, no, Kaleb, Kaleb.
- Sit down, quiet.
- Calm down.
- Kaleb.
[refugee]
Calm down, it'll be okay.
[crying] No, no, Kaleb.
[Kaleb whimpering]
[soft poignant music]
- [Joshua crying]
- [man] Come here, dog.
[Joshua crying]
[man] Hey, dog,
come here, do what I say.
[dramatic music]
Dog! Hey dog, come here.
Kaleb.
No, no, no, go back.
We have to rescue him,
he'll drown.
- Please help, stop the boat.
- [man] Sit down.
Turn, turn the
boat around, please.
- [man] Shh.
- [Joshua] Kaleb, go back.
[water splashing]
Kaleb! [coughing]
Let's turn the boat around.
Let's turn, turn it.
Kaleb, Kaleb.
- [Kaleb whimpering]
- Kaleb.
[music continues]
- [man] All right, grab the oar.
- [man 2] Give the man a hand.
[Joshua coughing]
[refugees chattering]
Kaleb, Kaleb.
[soft gentle music]
[refugees chattering]
[Joshua] Are we all that's
left of our family?
What kind of life will we have?
Thank you for keeping me warm.
[soft gentle music continues]
[soft thoughtful music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[woman singing in Hebrew]
[bright gentle music]
[townspeople chattering]
[bicycle bell dinging]
[people chattering]
- [girl] Another one.
- [woman] Shh, honey.
Don't shout at her.
- Good girl.
- Push Anya, push.
That's right, Anya,
it's coming out.
Look at that little head.
[Shoshonna] Oh, I know
it's hard, I know, I know.
- [man] The miracle of nature.
- [Shoshonna] Oh, so sweet.
What shall we name this one?
- Joseph.
- Joseph?
Can't you see that it's a girl?
Don't you even know
the difference
between a boy and a girl?
I said Josephine,
didn't I, Mama?
Yeah, perhaps you did.
There's another one in there.
Are you sure, Papa?
[Rachel] Of course
he's sure, he's a doctor.
[Joshua] But not of dogs.
[Anya whimpering]
Anya, shh,
it's not easy, I know.
But soon you can rest,
good girl.
Oh, a little one.
- What shall we name...
- Him, see it's a him.
[Joshua] Yes,
I can see it's a him.
[puppy whimpering]
[Samuel] What about Kaleb?
It means dog in Hebrew.
Welcome to the world,
little Kaleb.
[singing in German on radio]
[puppies barking]
[Joshua]
Come on, Kaleb, Kaleb.
[singing continues]
[puppies barking]
[Joshua] There you go,
little Kaleb, delicious.
[Shoshonna]
Please don't do that.
They're hungry.
Come here, Josephine.
Don't give
the puppies people food,
and stop calling their names.
It will make you too
attached to them.
Hello, little Kaleb.
[Samuel]
Your mother said no names.
Hello, little puppy.
Mm, you can call them by
their numbers instead of names.
[Joshua] Hello, number four.
[Samuel] We must make
plans for the dogs.
What kind of plans?
Go ahead Shoshonna,
explain it to them.
We have to find homes for
them, they can't all live here.
We can't give them away.
Maybe not all of them,
we can keep one?
How can we pick out one?
We love them all.
We will find good
homes for them.
They can't be separated.
They're brothers and sisters.
What if someone told you
you had to pick Rachel or me?
Would you be able to do that?
I don't think that would
be a very difficult choice.
[Samuel] It's not the same.
Even if times were good,
we can't have five dogs,
including Anya.
We're not a kennel.
Eat your schnitzel.
[bright gentle music]
[children chattering]
[puppies yelping]
[bright gentle music continues]
[man] Are these puppies
pure German Shepherd?
As far as we know.
What is the price for them?
We are not asking for money,
only good homes.
[man]
Do you have papers for them?
No I am sorry, we don't.
Then how do we know
if they're pure bred?
Karl Gustav here is
100 percent German Rottweiler.
Perfect pedigree
and pure lineage.
- How nice.
- There might be some
mixed terrier blood, or
something French in there.
- Of course.
- [girl] Mama, Mama,
look, puppies!
- I like this one.
- [puppies yelping]
We are not giving
this one away.
But that's the one I want.
Some of the others are
just as nice and bigger.
Come, come, Kaleb.
There's something
wrong with this dog.
He's crazy,
and he bites little girls.
He's bitten my sister several
times, hasn't he, Rachel?
Yeah, he bit me in
the neck and the eye.
I had to go to the hospital.
- [girl whimpering]
- Come along, Harriet.
Thanks, Rachel.
[soft uneasy music]
- [Rachel] Poor Anya.
- [Anya whimpering]
[music continues]
[townspeople chattering]
[Shoshonna speaking German]
[townspeople chattering]
You stay, Anya.
You're not allowed
into the bakery.
[townspeople chattering]
[chattering fades]
[Samuel] It's only the bakery.
And tomorrow it
will be the florist,
then the seamstress,
then the food market.
There is danger
forming around us.
Just try to keep
this from the children.
Keep it from them?
They saw the sign in the window.
They understand what is
happening better than you do.
It will subside,
it will have to.
And these new Nuremberg Laws,
do you know what
is written there?
It says, "For the protection
of German blood
and German honor."
We are fifth-generation German,
our children sixth.
Yes, and all of a sudden
we are no longer
the right breed of Germans.
[gentle thoughtful music]
[doorbell ringing]
[door opens]
[Samuel]
Come in, please, everybody.
[Shoshonna]
Good evening, everybody.
[Mr. Komorsky] Happy to
see you both, we love it.
[Samuel] Hello, sir.
Everybody's fine, and welcome.
This is Baruch Zonnenfeld,
a doctor who went
to school with me,
and this is the Komorsky family.
[people speaking German]
[Shoshonna]
Hello, how are you?
I'm fine, I hope you don't
mind that I brought Kugel.
Oh this is very nice of you,
but we don't eat
Kugel on Passover.
[chuckling] Uh, Kugel.
[hosts and guests laughing]
- Everybody, of course.
- Oh, of course, of course.
Every creature should celebrate
the Festival of Freedom.
- Come on.
- Oh, thank you.
- Come, come, come.
- Go on, Kugel.
Please, go with Mrs. Sherman.
Go to the table.
Come on, the table's
ready, please everybody.
[Mrs. Komorsky] Oh, what
a beautiful Seder table.
[Shoshonna] Thank you.
[speaking Hebrew]
The greens are a symbol
of spring,
and the miracle of nature,
and we dip it in the salt water
as a symbol to remind
us of the tears
shed by
the oppressed Israelites.
[all singing in Hebrew]
[dogs howling]
[all applauding]
[man] We cannot complete the
Seder without the middle matzah,
the afikomen.
[children cheering]
[upbeat music]
[woman singing in Hebrew]
Where is it, Kaleb?
[music continues]
That's it boy, you found it?
- I got it.
- Oh no.
- You are amazing.
- [Rachel groaning]
[adults clapping]
[Mr. Komorsky] Come, Joshua,
come, I have something for you.
[coins clinking]
[adults applauding]
[sniffs]
Mm, this is interesting.
Is this is a new
flavor of matzah?
[all singing in Hebrew]
[townspeople chattering]
Come, Kaleb.
- Why aren't they in school?
- [Samuel] They were sent home.
It's Joshua's fault.
Joshua passed note to a girl
in his class, Lena Lingmeyer.
They said it was a love letter.
I wrote that
I thought she was pretty.
[Samuel] She's the daughter
of an SS officer,
and therefore it was
considered a travesty.
The teacher said that
Joshua and Rachel
will no longer be
welcome in the school.
I can no longer go to school
because Joshua got into trouble.
I did nothing, this is not fair.
It is time to
tell them the truth.
- There is no truth.
- [Rachel] What is happening?
It's just for the time being.
And when I go back,
will I be in the same class
as all my friends?
Yes, yes, of course you will.
But in the meantime,
we will study here.
Your father and
I will teach you.
[fist pounding]
- Mrs. Matilda Schreiver?
- [Matilda] Yeah.
Are you here by yourself?
[Matilda]
Only the children are home.
The Nuremberg Law
does not permit Jews
to employ domestics
under the age of 45.
The people are not
aus Juden.
- They are good Jews.
- Good Jews?
The only good Jews
are in Dachau.
Listen, you are an Aryan.
You clean the floors of Jews.
Don't you think you
deserve better than this?
[Matilda] They treat me very
well and this is the work I do.
[man]
Earning a living is important,
but purity of the race
is more important.
You must leave immediately.
We will be back to check
that you are no
longer working here.
- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.
[soft somber music]
I am truly, truly sorry
that I'm not yet 45 years old.
I'm very, very sorry.
You have been very kind to me.
Thank you for everything.
You have been a great
part of our family.
- You wanted to talk to me?
- Let's walk.
I'm saying goodbye.
Bought a ticket for
myself and my dog,
getting a train
to Italy tomorrow,
and from there
sailing to Palestine.
You of course heard of
the latest prohibition.
No.
Jews are no longer
able to own pets.
[sighing]
This dog is all I have,
I have no family.
What are you
waiting for, Samuel?
Get out before it's too late.
I don't think there's a
need to be overly dramatic.
This time there is.
We won't be able to find
someone to take both of them.
Perhaps Matilda can take Anya,
and we find someone
else for Kaleb.
[Shoshonna sighing]
It is so good to
see you, Matilda.
- Do you remember my husband?
- Yes, yes of course.
- Gabriel.
- Of course.
Nice-looking dog.
I told you so,
and she's very obedient.
Watch, sit.
Do you think you
can take Kaleb also?
[Gabriel] No, just one dog.
- You'd better be going.
- Yes.
This is her food and...
[crying]
this is her favorite blanket.
- Go on.
- Come, Anya.
- Go, go, go.
- [Kaleb whimpering]
No, stay Kaleb.
He misses his mother.
Why did Matilda take Anya?
I don't understand.
When bad people make
rules for other people,
no good can ever come out of it.
Is this also
because we are Jewish?
- Yes.
- Then let's not be Jewish.
Let's become Catholic, and we
can keep and have everything
that everybody else has.
[chuckling] We are Jewish,
and be grateful
you have a wonderful family,
don't ever forget that.
[townspeople chattering]
[horns honking]
[man and woman speaking German]
Should we have
some chocolates?
Really, Mama,
we can have chocolate?
Yes, one.
- Good afternoon, Dr. Sherman.
- Please, come in.
I'm Frank Heinz and was told
by your patient, Alda, that--
Yes, yes, yes, please.
Thank you, please.
- Will they still let us in?
- Yes, yes.
- One chocolate, please.
- Hello, hello.
Do you want some chocolate?
- Yes.
- Thank you.
You'll find that Kaleb is
an unusual dog, very smart.
But if everything's all right,
perhaps you should leave
before the children come home.
Are they not in school?
[soft poignant music]
Auf Wiedersehen,
our beloved little pup.
Frank and his wife will
take good care of you.
[music continues]
[speaking Hebrew]
May the Lord bless thee
and keep thee, and may
his grace shine upon thee,
and be gracious with thee
for all the days your life.
[music continues]
- Come Kaleb, Kaleb.
- [Kaleb whining]
Come on, come.
[engine rumbling]
- We had chocolate.
- I saved you a piece, Papa.
Kaleb, Kaleb.
Why wasn't Kaleb at the door?
[Rachel] What is it?
So Joshua,
you have to be strong.
We had to give Kaleb away.
We could do nothing, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, he cannot come home.
No! [sobbing]
Why? No.
[hooves clopping]
Kaleb, Kaleb,
come out now, come on.
Now, it's all right.
Okay, come, come upstairs.
Here is your new
home, I'll show you.
Come, come.
I brought you a surprise.
Do you remember
what my father said
when I told him that we
were getting married?
I assume this is a
rhetorical question.
He said, "Frank is a nice man,
but he does things
without thinking."
When I brought Norbert,
you were not excited at first.
That's not true,
I loved Norbert
from the minute I saw him.
Where did you get this dog?
[Frank]
From the Sherman family.
How could you have
thought that a dog from Jews
could replace Norbert?
What in the world do
you call this thing?
- Kaleb.
- What a stupid name.
A name can be changed,
how about we call him Norbert?
The water in Norbert's
bowl is still clear,
and you want to give his
name to a Jewish dog?
What's wrong with you?
Let me think of a new name.
How about Wilhelm,
it sounds good.
Greta, Frank, and
the Wilhelm Heinz.
I don't want this dog.
Either you return him
to where you got him,
or you take care of
him all by yourself.
[Kaleb yelping]
[soft somber music]
[Rachel and Joshua laughing]
[Greta] Frank, can you
hurry up, we're late.
Back in your place.
- [Frank] We'll return soon.
- What a dreadful dog.
I don't understand it.
He was so lively
at the Shermans'.
Perhaps he only likes Jews.
Let's go Frank.
[Frank] Look what I got for
you at the butcher.
Here you go boy,
it's all right. [chuckling]
[Greta] Frank, let's go.
And whoever desires to
love life and see good days,
let him keep his
tongue from evil,
and his lips from
speaking deceit.
For the eyes of the Lord
are on the righteous.
[Kaleb panting]
[gentle whimsical music]
As Jesus said, "What
good is it for someone
to gain the whole world,
yet forfeit their soul?"
[music continues]
[fabric tearing]
- [priest] Go in peace.
- [organ music]
Do you think that because
Jesus was so light of weight,
he was able to walk on water?
Not like me, where
there's my bowel.
You would've
drowned in a second.
Mm.
[Frank] Well, the priest is a
good speaker, I think.
The priest was nice.
Darling,
let's have a cup of tea.
Oh mein Gott ,
do you see what he did?
You idiot, you idiot!
You stupid, bad dog. [grunting]
[Frank] Wilhelm.
[thunder rumbling]
[rain splattering]
[soft curious music]
[thunder crashing]
[Kaleb whining]
[soft uneasy music]
Boy, I can't imagine
why you returned.
You know how many times I've
thought of doing what you did?
My life is hell.
Just as you live out of my hand,
that's the way
I live out of hers.
I wasn't able to make much
of myself in this life.
That's okay, boy,
it'll be all right.
Careful please.
This way.
Careful.
Right there.
Good, take that.
[workmen groaning]
If you do anything to this
chair, I'll have you killed.
[Kaleb whimpering]
Hey, lady, your dog.
[Greta speaking German]
[tense uneasy music]
[music continues]
[train whistle blowing]
[music continues]
[townspeople chattering]
[music continues]
[Kaleb panting]
- Who's dog is this?
- Hey you, stop.
[woman] Where is he going?
He seems to know
his way around here.
Do you think it is possible
he used to live here?
Well, he does
not live here now.
- Don't touch him.
- Get out.
Come here, you bad dog.
- I said come here.
- [Kaleb growling]
He seems hungry.
- That is not our problem.
- [Kaleb growling]
I'll go and see if there's
something in the garbage.
- [Kaleb barking]
- [man] Don't you do that.
Quiet, you.
Look what I have
for you, hungry dog.
- [Kaleb growling]
- Come on, come on.
Come here, come on, come on.
Look, look, okay go.
[insects chirping]
[soft poignant music]
[music continues]
Peter, you are not
going to believe this.
- Look at that.
- [Peter] Go away, go home.
You really must
leave us alone now.
[townspeople chattering]
[Kaleb whining]
[music continues]
[feet stomping]
[Hitler Youth singing
in German]
[singing continues]
[engine rumbling]
[wind whooshing]
[Kaleb barking]
Look at this dog,
he's following us.
Can we take him home?
Don't go near him,
he's a street dog.
- He could have rabies.
- [Kaleb barking]
[soft uneasy music]
[Kaleb growling]
[tense music]
[dogs barking]
[soft curious music]
[dogs barking]
[tense music]
[barking]
[soft gentle music]
[trash can clattering]
[dogs panting]
[dogs barking]
[dogs growling]
[tense music]
[dogs barking]
[dogs snarling]
[Hitler Youth
speaking German]
[boy shouting]
- Leave me alone.
- [Hitler Youth speaking German]
[dog barking]
[boy screaming]
[tense music]
[kicks thudding]
[dogs barking]
[Hitler Youth
speaking German]
[boy screaming]
[dogs panting]
[soft poignant music]
[dog whimpering]
[dogs panting]
[soft poignant music continues]
[dog barking]
[tense uneasy music]
[dogs barking]
[dogs whimpering]
[soft tense music]
[cart rumbling]
Good morning, number 120.
You are a handsome dog.
Have the drugs worn off yet?
Soon Dr. Plechtner will be here.
He is the regional veterinarian,
and you want him to select you.
When the doctor looks at you,
look back at him straight
in the eye and growl.
The doctor likes you when
you have the killer instinct.
- [dogs barking]
- Right, right, right.
Left, right.
- [dog whimpering]
- Oh, left, left.
[Kaleb barking]
- What do we have here?
- [Kaleb barking]
- That one's perfect. Right.
- [dogs barking]
[soft somber music]
[engines rumbling]
[trainers speaking German]
[whistles blowing]
[man] Calm down.
[Kaleb whimpering]
Shh, shh, shh.
[Kaleb barking]
First, we must find
a name for you.
- Blitz will be your name.
- [Kaleb barking]
Blitz, come here, Blitz.
Welcome.
This is good for you.
I'm not going to
hurt you, I promise.
Curse the bloodsucker.
Blitz, my friend,
you really needed this bath.
Underneath all this filth,
we might just find a
good-looking dog, huh?
[dogs barking]
[trainers speaking German]
[Kaleb growling]
Fine, fine, Blitz, fine.
[Kaleb growling]
[Ralph speaking German]
[Kaleb growling]
[target shouting]
[Ralph speaking German]
[soft somber music]
[Kaleb growling]
Blitz has learned a new trick
that you all have not yet seen.
[trainers chattering]
- Heil Hitler.
- [trainers laughing]
[engine rumbling]
[soldiers chattering]
Achtung!
We are here to perform
an actual military task.
This will be an important test
for both you and
your dog, now go.
This time is for real, Blitz.
[speaks German]
[tense uneasy music]
[soldiers chattering]
[tense uneasy music continues]
[Kaleb sniffing]
- [Kaleb barking]
- In here.
[soldiers chattering]
[furniture clattering]
- No no, please.
- [soldiers chattering]
[soft somber music]
Well done, Blitz,
you did an excellent job.
[trainers chattering in German]
Ralph.
Is your dog pure
German Shepherd?
The truth is,
I don't really know.
They've got him from the pound,
but he certainly looks purebred.
Your dog found more Jews
than all the other
dogs put together.
Yes, he certainly seems
to have a nose for them.
[chuckling] Well, keep
up the good work with him,
and I will promise
you a prime assignment
at the end of the course.
Thank you, sir,
thank you very much.
What an amazing
dog you are, Blitzie.
Even before I finish
teaching you something,
you already know it.
Who was I up until now?
Just another trainer
in life, doggie.
But now, even Jurgen Klein
knows who I am.
Don't you worry, I haven't
forgotten for a moment
that at least half of
the achievement is yours.
- [group applauding]
- Ralph Gerstler.
On this day of September 13th,
Herr Ralph Gerstler has
completed the training course
to the satisfaction
of the Reich,
and becomes an official
trainer of the SS.
And to his dog, Blitz,
for his service as well.
- Heil Hitler.
- Heil Hitler.
[group laughing and applauding]
[train rattling]
All right.
- Heil Hitler.
- [soldiers] Heil Hitler.
Things run beautifully
here at this work camp.
That means that each
person knows his job well,
so that all I have to do is
supervise from a distance.
At night I can sleep well,
because I have a good
staff that I can rely on.
I hope that all of you newcomers
will uphold the level
of our excellence.
Ralph, I want to talk
to you about something.
Your dog against mine,
the stinking Ukrainians
would pay good money
to see a dog fight.
What do you say?
No, that's not what
I trained him for.
Blitz is not a dog
for dog fights,
and the money of the
Ukrainians doesn't interest me.
"The money of the Ukrainians
doesn't interest me."
Money interests all of us.
Sometimes I think if we
compare the qualities of man
to the qualities of dogs,
the dogs would easily win.
What are you talking about?
We insist on making war even
after we sniffed each other.
We are not content with
pissing on someone's territory.
We have to conquer it.
But we don't crap in
the middle of the street.
Ah yes, I guess for
that we can be admired.
Oh Blitzie, what would
I do here without you?
I swear you the most human
creature in this whole place.
[man speaking German over
loudspeaker]
[soldier]
Out, out, hurry up.
[soldier 2] Come on,
keep moving.
[soldier] hurry up.
- Out. Silence.
- [whistle blasting]
[soft somber music]
You will be divided
into groups for work.
All males go to the right,
women to the left.
[crowd chattering]
[soldier] Women will be sent
a nearby work camp.
If you want to see
something, just let me know.
Don't dislocate
my shoulder, just ask.
- [child] Mommy, no, Mommy.
- [soldier] Let go, let go.
[soft tense music]
[whistles blaring]
[Ralph]
What's the matter, Blitz?
[Kaleb barking]
[soft somber music]
[soldiers chattering]
[dogs barking]
[Joshua crying]
[soft somber music]
[man] Out of the depth, have
I cried onto thee, oh Lord,
I cried upon the
Lord in distress.
Rise up Lord and let thine
enemies be scattered.
- So much praying.
- Let the man be.
- Amen.
- Amen, Amen.
[man]
Look what I have fit in here.
See, my beautiful wife and
my son and my daughter,
all of them gone.
[crying]
There is a guard who has a dog
who looks just like
the dog I used to have.
Go to sleep.
[Joshua]
When I look at that dog,
I remember when we
were all together,
my mother and father and sister.
One day, they came and
pulled us out of our house,
and they put us in
different trucks,
and I never saw them again.
Do you know how I can find them?
Try to fall asleep if you can.
[soldiers chattering in German]
What are you looking at,
you little filthy Jewish boy?
I wasn't looking at anything.
- Your liar.
- [Joshua choking]
[Kaleb barking]
[soldier shouting]
Your dog attacked me,
I will kill him.
- [Joshua] No!
- No, no, please.
Blitz is one of the
best-trained dogs in the camp.
Please Dr. Schneider, I really
don't know what happened.
I will shoot this
dog through the head.
Get back to work, all of you!
[soldiers shouting in German]
If you shoot the dog,
you will have to kill me too.
[soldiers shouting in German]
Come.
That bastard
almost broke your neck.
These people are animals.
[praying in Hebrew]
Why do you pray so much?
If there were a God,
he would not let this
be happening to us.
No one is listening to you.
The important thing is,
that I can hear the prayer.
[speaking Hebrew]
[soldiers speaking
German]
[soldier] Come here.
My dog has obviously taken
some kind of interest in you.
- What is your dog's name?
- [Ralph] Blitz.
May I pet him?
I'd rather that you didn't.
You see, he probably needs
the company of a child.
I used to have
a dog like this.
Oh really, what was his name?
Kaleb.
[Ralph] So you had a
dog and you like animals.
Very much.
Follow me.
[speaking German]
Perhaps you would like to work
feeding and cleaning
the animals' cages.
Your small size would
be good for that.
I would like that very much.
Then I will arrange for it.
[bird cawing]
[pigs snorting]
This is for the animals only.
He really does seem to like you.
Yes.
[Ralph] The bread crumbs are for
the chickens and ducks.
The peas and vegetables
for the pigs.
If you eat or steal one crumb
of food, you will be shot.
Do you understand that?
- Yes.
- Fine, then begin.
[soft poignant music]
- It's you Kaleb, isn't it?
- [Kaleb whimpering]
Isn't it?
[fence sparking]
You can trust that boy?
Yes, of course, but what
difference does it make?
He'll eventually wind up in
a pit with everyone else.
[soldier] Well, I'm quite
impressed with your dog.
[Ralph] He's the
most intelligent dog
that I've come across
in my entire life,
he understands everything.
So what do you intend to
do after the war is over?
I'd like to study engineering,
or religious studies.
You don't want to
continue training animals?
- Perhaps.
- All right.
Sorry to cut short
our little stroll,
but tomorrow is a busy day.
We have a new train
load coming in.
No, no, no. [crying]
- It's all right, Mr. Glavsky.
- [man] Wake up, wake up.
- [Joshua] It's all right.
- Wake up.
- [Joshua] Mr. Glavsky.
- Close your eyes.
I can't stop.
That day, I was a
priest in a small church
near the mountains.
I spoke out against the
cruelty of this regime.
Some people from my
parish supported me,
and the soldiers
came and shot them,
right in front of my eyes.
I wish they would
have shot me instead.
How much longer
can we survive this?
If we use everything we
know, all of us together,
we can escape from here.
How do you intend to get
past the electrified fence?
And how will you escape the
Ukrainians and the dogs?
[ducks quacking]
Hello, Rivka,
how are you today?
- [pigs grunting]
- Eat something, Shlomo.
You look too thin.
[gate squeaking]
There, Kaleb.
[Joshua grunting]
- Did you bring us any food?
- I can't.
They're watching me to make
sure I don't steal anything.
At night, we come there
and help you get some of it.
No, it is too dangerous.
Starving to
death is dangerous.
[geese honking]
[soft tense music]
[pigs grunting]
[geese honking]
[chickens clucking]
Don't forget the
small packages.
I won't forget, everything
will arrive on time.
That's all? Is that all?
[Glavsky spitting]
[speaking Hebrew]
It's just a few breadcrumbs.
It doesn't require
two blessings.
[rain pattering]
[dogs barking]
Tell the dogs good night.
- Was it delicious then?
- Yes.
[gate squeaking]
[Ralph] What is he doing?
Uh, that's his way of
telling me he wants more.
Well, he can't eat it all.
He has to give some
to the other dogs.
Put him on a leash
and bring him to me.
[Joshua] Yes sir.
The boy knows what
would happen to him
if he would so much has touch
this food for himself, right?
Oh, yes.
[chuckling] Blitzie, Blitz.
[whistles blasting]
[siren blaring]
[Ralph] Blitz! [speaking German]
[Kaleb growling]
[Ralph speaking German]
[sirens blaring]
[Officer] This dog is a
true servant of the Reich.
[dog barking]
What do we have here?
And this accidentally
fell into your pocket.
I told you what would
happen if you were caught
stealing food from
the animals, didn't I?
[tense uneasy music]
[Joshua panting]
Shame on you.
Before you kill me, there's
one thing you should know.
All this time that I took care
of Blitz, as you call him,
I was not taking care
of your dog, but my dog.
His name is Kaleb.
What are you talking about?
He was born on a Tuesday
at 11:30 in the morning,
and has three
brothers and sisters.
So you see, Herr Gerstler,
your beloved Blitz
is really a Jewish dog.
That's most unfortunate
news, turn around.
[fist thudding]
[dogs barking]
Come, we must go.
Wait, come on, Kaleb.
[dogs barking]
[Kaleb whining]
Come, come, Kaleb.
Kaleb, Kaleb, come, come, come.
- Kaleb let's go, come.
- [whistles blaring]
Kaleb, come.
Kaleb, come with me now, Kaleb.
- Kaleb, no.
- [sirens blaring]
No, no, Kaleb, Kaleb.
Kaleb come, come, come here.
Kaleb, Kaleb.
[sirens blaring]
[Kaleb barking]
- [escapees shouting]
- Where is he going?
[man screaming]
[Joshua] Just follow him.
[soldiers shouting]
[sirens blaring]
[fence sparking]
[escapee shouting]
[gunfire blasting]
[tense dramatic music]
[soldiers shouting]
[horse whinnying]
[gunfire blasting]
[escapees shouting]
[sirens blaring]
[insects chirping]
[owl hooting]
[gasping] It hurts.
Oh my God.
You were hit.
[speaking Hebrew]
I think the bullet
might still be in you.
If I had a knife, maybe
I could get it out,
but this wound has
to be disinfected.
Should I go get something?
The forest is crawling
with Germans and their dogs.
We'll wait until the sun rises.
It's your job to
guard us now, Kaleb,
with your good ears,
to make sure no one
is coming close to us.
Am I going to die?
[man] Try to lie still.
I've been a good man.
Yes, you have.
Maybe now I can see
my Getel in heaven.
My dear friend.
I'm grateful that
I will die a free man,
here in God's beautiful forest,
and not in that den of iniquity.
[leaves crunching]
Our fellow prisoners will
never even have a burial.
Come, let's go.
I think Mr. Neuman
would like it
if we say a prayer for him.
[speaking Hebrew]
[tense uneasy music]
Where are we going?
We have to keep moving south,
maybe towards Yugoslavia.
And according to where the
sun is rising and setting,
we are going south.
But we must find food and water.
[tense uneasy music]
[Joshua] What is it, Kaleb?
[gasping]
[man] Go down there.
You are small, it will
be easier for you.
I will watch you from here, go.
[soft tense music]
Kaleb, you stay with me, Kaleb.
[soft tense music continues]
[horse whinnying]
[fabric ripping]
There.
[water sloshing]
[rooster crowing]
In case you are hungry.
Let's go get it.
No, no, it could be an ambush.
Let's go.
Don't worry,
we will do you no harm.
- Are you lost?
- [man] No.
My son and I, we, our
home was destroyed and my,
my wife didn't make it.
[man] I'm sorry to hear that.
Beautiful dog.
Thank you.
Come on in.
- Come.
- Just come.
- It will be warm inside.
- Yeah, it'll be all right.
We can allow you to sleep
here, but only for one night.
It's very dangerous these days,
if you understand
what I'm saying.
And you would have
to sleep in the barn.
That would be fine.
We very much appreciate it.
- Just one night.
- Yes.
[car approaching]
[soldiers speaking German]
[rain pattering]
[soldiers speaking German]
Joshua, you and
Kaleb crawl under here now.
No, no, we can't
go without you.
Now, right now,
before it's too late.
And remember to watch where
the sun rises and sets,
and keep running to the south.
- No.
- Go.
[banging]
[soldier shouting in German]
[dog barking]
[tense music]
[soldiers speaking German]
[tense uneasy music]
[Joshua panting]
[sighing] I know,
Kaleb, I know.
This one is mine.
[owl hooting]
It's just us now.
Do you think Mama
and Papa and Rachel
could also be somewhere
in the forest?
What would I do
without you, Kaleb?
I don't want that you
just listen to me,
and never tell me your thoughts.
I will try to understand
your thoughts.
[soft uneasy music]
Blitz will be your name.
[rain pattering]
[Joshua shouting]
[bells tolling in distance]
[Joshua]
It must be Palm Sunday.
I remember the people
across the way
used to carry these flowers.
So that must mean
it's Passover too.
Papa.
Mama.
Rachel.
Our guests, that you
always have at Seder...
and me.
[leaves rustling]
[Joshua singing in
Hebrew]
When we dip this
in the salt water,
it will remind us of the tears
that the Jewish people shed
when they were in
the land of Egypt.
[wolf howling in distance]
Remember when you
were a little puppy,
and you found the afikomen?
Well, actually we...
I cheated,
because I put the smell
of meat on the matzah.
Sometimes I worry
that you miss Ralph.
It's hard for you to
understand who he really was.
He loved you and
really cared for you.
But I love you too.
[Kaleb panting]
[bomb exploding]
[soft tense music]
[Kaleb sniffing]
[soft tense music continues]
[birds calling]
Don't move, who are you?
Joshua.
My name is Sasha Petrovich.
- Did Kaleb bring you?
- [Sasha] Who's Kaleb?
- My dog.
- No.
Kaleb?
We can't take on the
responsibility of a child,
and an injured one.
We are Yugoslavian partisans,
you are safe with us.
We will protect you.
We can't have a child with us.
He's no longer a child
with what he's gone through.
Pick him up and
take him with us.
I--I can't go without Kaleb.
The most important
thing is your own life.
Pick him up.
[Joshua crying]
[partisans chattering]
[somber music]
[Kaleb yelping, barking]
Trees and darkness at night
are your most loyal allies.
The winter is your friend,
since the days are short
and the nights long.
Do you understand
everything I'm saying?
Otherwise,
you will never get out.
Always let your enemy
have the illusion
that he is chasing you.
Your real power lies in
the element of surprise.
- That's what Kaleb does.
- [Sasha] Kaleb?
My dog.
Oh yes, you must
forget about this dog.
Whatever you do,
don't actually shoot a gun.
It will make too much noise.
It's a fine gun, isn't it?
I don't really like guns.
These days, it will
be your best friend.
Kaleb is my best friend.
It's quite beautifully made.
I took it myself from
the shoulder of a Nazi.
Aim at the bottles.
[gun blasting]
[Kaleb whining]
I told you not to shoot the gun.
[tense music]
- You want Germans here?
- It was an accident.
There's no room
for accidents here.
- It was my fault.
- [leaves rustling]
- Shh.
- She told me not to--
You see what you have done?
[Joshua] No, no!
Kaleb, no, don't shoot,
don't shoot.
- It's Kaleb. Kaleb.
- [Kaleb whining]
I knew you would find me.
We will divide
into three squads.
The first squad
will put an ambush
on the road to the village.
The second will go into a house
to take the food and
clothing we need.
The third group will attack
the German soldiers
patrolling the area.
Any questions from anyone?
Yes, Joshua?
Am I going on
this assignment too?
Perhaps, I'm not sure yet.
[rooster crowing]
[tense uneasy music]
Hello, is someone there?
- Hello?
- [man] Come in.
Oh, no no, no.
No, don't hurt us.
Oh my God, please, no.
No, no, no, not the
animals, please.
- They keep us alive.
- [tense uneasy music]
[partisans chattering]
[partisans cheering]
[partisans singing
in foreign language]
[partisans speaking
in foreign language]
Joshua, you helped
us a lot today.
Thank you.
But you cannot stay with us,
it's too difficult.
It's too dangerous
for us and for you.
But where can I go?
We managed to borrow some
money from the farmers today,
and we'll buy you a
passage to Palestine.
- Palestine?
- You will be safe there.
Please, let me stay with you.
[insects chirping]
Here's for the boy's passage,
and I've also
brought you the dog.
Be brave little man,
you will have a better life.
Come, we must hurry.
You cannot take
the dog with you.
No, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no.
Kaleb is coming with me.
We have no room for a dog.
He's part of the payment for
your passage, he's mine now.
No, Kaleb is coming with me.
We are letting you go
because you are a child
and you are alone.
This is why I have Kaleb,
so I don't have to be alone.
He's staying here.
No Kaleb, Kaleb.
- Kaleb, no, Kaleb!
- [Kaleb barking]
Kaleb, Kaleb, come,
come, Kaleb, Kaleb.
- No, no, Kaleb, Kaleb.
- Sit down, quiet.
- Calm down.
- Kaleb.
[refugee]
Calm down, it'll be okay.
[crying] No, no, Kaleb.
[Kaleb whimpering]
[soft poignant music]
- [Joshua crying]
- [man] Come here, dog.
[Joshua crying]
[man] Hey, dog,
come here, do what I say.
[dramatic music]
Dog! Hey dog, come here.
Kaleb.
No, no, no, go back.
We have to rescue him,
he'll drown.
- Please help, stop the boat.
- [man] Sit down.
Turn, turn the
boat around, please.
- [man] Shh.
- [Joshua] Kaleb, go back.
[water splashing]
Kaleb! [coughing]
Let's turn the boat around.
Let's turn, turn it.
Kaleb, Kaleb.
- [Kaleb whimpering]
- Kaleb.
[music continues]
- [man] All right, grab the oar.
- [man 2] Give the man a hand.
[Joshua coughing]
[refugees chattering]
Kaleb, Kaleb.
[soft gentle music]
[refugees chattering]
[Joshua] Are we all that's
left of our family?
What kind of life will we have?
Thank you for keeping me warm.
[soft gentle music continues]
[soft thoughtful music]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[woman singing in Hebrew]