Shiloh parents guide

Shiloh Parent Guide

Overall B+

This is the classic story of a boy and his dog--only this time the canine belongs to some one else. Learning about honesty and integrity, a young lad (Blake Heron) struggles to take over the ownership of an abused animal.

Violence B
Sexual Content A
Profanity A
Substance Use B

Why is Shiloh rated PG? The MPAA rated Shiloh PG

Run Time: 93 minutes

Parent Movie Review

In this big screen adaptation of Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s award winning book Shiloh, Marty Preston (Blake Heron) dreams of what all young boys hope for at one time or another… a shiny new bike. Because tough financial times have fallen on his family, Marty realizes if he wants a bicycle he will have to raise the money himself. Armed with his rifle and new best friend Sam (J. Madison Wright), the determined entrepreneur sets out in search of odd jobs and creative ways to earn cash. One would think the pair would be semi-successful (especially toting a .22), but pickings remain slim. Then it happens. Marty sees an adorable runaway beagle and is struck by the most powerful force on earth—puppy love. His bike desires are soon replaced with dreams of owning the cute little Shiloh.

Unfortunately, Shiloh already has a master: Judd Travers (Scott Wilson), a rather unsavory neighbor with questionable hunting practices, who is well known for his never-ending cruelty toward his pets (used as hunting dogs). Shiloh has cause to run away more than once, each time beating a path straight to the friendly Prestons. The family hates returning the pup to his harsh owner, but Marty’s stern though-loving father (Michael Moriarty) insists on doing the right thing. Yet what is the right thing?

Shades of gray begin to cloud Marty’s judgment, and he decides to secretly keep the abused pooch in a dilapidated shed not far from his house. Unfortunately, the tangled web of cover-up lies does not support his fantasy for long. Nor does the deception do anything to help the strained relationships and power struggle that the dark mists of monetary hardship have hung over the Preston household.

Although youngsters may be bothered by the animal violence (which includes instances where small amounts of blood are shown), Shiloh still weaves a “tail” brimming with honesty, integrity, and responsibility. Families may find these powerful themes worthy of “paws” and reflection.

Directed by Dale Rosenbloom. Starring Blake Heron, Scott Wilson, Michael Moriarty. Running time: 93 minutes. Updated

Shiloh
Rating & Content Info

Why is Shiloh rated PG? Shiloh is rated PG by the MPAA

Overall: B+
This is the classic story of a boy and his dog—only this time the canine belongs to some one else. Learning about honesty and integrity, a young lad struggles to take over the ownership of an abused animal. While the subject matter’s depiction of a cute little puppy being harmed by its owner may be a bone of contention for small children, the film’s overriding message is very worthwhile.

Violence: B
Man hits dog with butt-end of rifle. Dog repeatedly kicked and verbally threatened. Animals trapped or shot (some blood shown). Dogs engage in fight that results in injured animal. Character loses balance and falls. Character grabs child’s arm and pushes him around. Characters holding sticks have shoving match and threaten each other.

Sexual Content: A
Girl kisses boy on cheek.

Language: A
At least: one mild profanity, and some mild insults.

Alcohol / Drug Use: B
Man drinks beer on numerous occasions.

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Shiloh Parents' Guide

Considering the mistreatment Shiloh was facing, do you think that Marty should have returned him to Judd? Is animal abuse worse than stealing? Do two wrongs make a right?

Judd quotes from the Bible while attempting to justify the harsh treatment of his animals. To explain the practice of spanking, some parents also quote scripture: “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” How does your family feel about that kind of punishment?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Shiloh movie is September 14, 2010. Here are some details…

Shiloh and its sequel Saving Shiloh (not reviewed) are releasing together on Blu-ray. The two-movie package is available on September 14, 2010.

Related home video titles:

For other tales of puppy love check out: My Dog Skip, A Dog Of Flanders, and the animated Here Comes Clifford.