SHILOH

SHILOH is the quintessential family film. In SHILOH, a young boy, Marty (Blake Heron), lives with his strong, loving family, including both parents, in rural West Virginia. As Marty goes to town looking for work so he can buy a bicycle, an abused beagle, named Shiloh, follows him home. Marty wants to keep the dog, but the dog belongs to his neighbor, Judd Travers (Scott Wilson). Marty’s dad, Ray (Michael Moriarity), wants his son to respect another man’s property and insists on returning the dog. Marty knows Judd abuses his animals. In fact, when father and son return the beagle, Judd kicks at it and says, “If he ever runs away again I’ll whoop the living daylights out of him.” When the dog runs away again, Marty must decide whether to honor his dad and return the dog thus sentencing the dog to many abuses, perhaps even death, or find some other way to save the adorable hound.

Marty understands his dad’s position, and he doesn’t hate him for it. In his young heart, however, Marty feels there has to be some greater principle to protect abused dogs. For the first time, someone needs Marty, and he promises Shiloh he will save him. So, regrettably, Marty hides the dog in a shed and doubles his efforts to find work. He reasons that if he offers Judd enough money, he will sell him the dog. Marty’s passion for work is so strong the community begins to think Marty’s family is in financial trouble.

Marty stands apart from typical Hollywood portrayals of young boys. He is not a demanding spoiled brat looking for the world to serve him nor is he exacting revenge on those who cross him. Marty is a good boy who helps his family, respects his parents and wants to know what is the right thing to do in a difficult situation. He doesn’t hate his parents for not giving in to his way.

When Shiloh is injured and taken to Dr. Sam Wallace (Rod Steiger), the good doctor tells Marty, “the greatest test of love is how much you are willing to fight for it.” Marty discovers this kind of love and puts up a good, honorable fight. He doesn’t bring in the authorities and try to sue Judd. He doesn’t steal the dog. He works hard to earn the dog. Marty finds the high road in “greater love has no one than this; that a man will lay his life down for a friend” (John 15:13).

Marty’s family is strong. His dad, Ray, is the mail carrier for the town. Ray has made his own sacrifices for his family. The house has been re-mortgaged to help pay for his sick mother. He is the head of the house and has the final say on issues. He wants his children to learn about responsibility, respect and the law. His wife, Louise (Ann Dowd), loves her children and respects her husband, even if she may disagree with him sometimes. When Louise discovers Shiloh, it is a touching picture of the relationship between mother and son. Louise understands her son’s love for the dog, but does not want to lie to her husband and damage that relationship.

In stark contrast to this family is Judd’s life. Judd’s father treated him like Judd treats his dogs. “When I want my dogs, I whistle. When I don’t want them, I give them a kick,” he tells Marty. Judd’s family life causes his character to be hardened and selfish. Judd thinks he turned out all right and doesn’t want anything from anybody. Judd sees Marty’s actions as foolishness. Yet, Marty’s passion to keep Shiloh in an honest way unnerves Judd and opens a door for Judd’s heart to be softened, if he chooses. However, Judd’s heart is hard and self-justified. “I treat my animals the way the Bible says. They are put here to serve us, they have no other purpose or any feelings,” he says. Yet, Jesus said that God does not forget one little sparrow (Luke 12:6).

In the Bible, Shiloh was the central location for the tabernacle when Israel entered Canaan. It is the place where Samuel heard the voice of Good and learned to be a man. In SHILOH, Marty experiences the power of love and sacrifice and begins to be a man. His father, Ray, obeys the law and yet is a strong support for his son and family at the same time. Judd must decide between hardness and manhood. All of these issues emerge from a story about a small, lovable dog. Shiloh is not a superdog, he’s not even that smart, but he is a living thing created by God.

To say this is merely a boy and his dog movie, safe for families, would be like saying that the story of David confronting Goliath in I Samuel 17 is about a boy and his slingshot. This uncommonly intelligent film can generate a healthy discussion among family members of all ages regarding the issues of honesty, character, respect, and love. Go see SHILOH in a theater. The acting is superb and the cinematography is breathtaking. Support this kind of movie making, and you will not be disappointed! SHILOH is a precious pearl of a film in a time when most “family films” belong to the dogs.