Sheep Hero

Sheep Hero is a thought-provoking docudrama released in 2019, featuring the protagonist, Stijn Hilgers. Directed by Ton van Zantvoort, it reflects a passionate portrayal of human resilience, a man's unfaltering love for nature, and his indomitable spirit against the onslaught of modernity.

Stijn Hilgers, a traditional shepherd from the Netherlands, exists as the central figure of this narrative. Affable and always attuned to nature, Stijn possesses an unbounded love for the traditional way of life, selecting to herd his co-inhabitants, the sheep, with the aid of his dog, instead of the mechanized methods now preferred by many.

At its heart, Sheep Hero is more than a film about shepherding. It is a poetic clash between tradition and modernity, a potent commentary on the speed at which society forces out the old ways, and the struggle of those who strive to preserve their roots.

In the context of Stijn's story, the old ways are represented through the timeless tradition of shepherding, a profession submerged in the rhythm of nature, where sheep and shepherd form an intricate coexistence. However, this peaceful harmony is persistently threatened by the invasive modern industrialization, visible in the character of the intensely bureaucratised and technologized society that surrounds Stijn and his flock.

Despite the relentless pressure on Stijn to abandon traditional herding and embrace advanced technologies, Stijn does not relent. His determination, commitment and resistance to this overpowering force is beautifully captured, cementing the core essence of Sheep Hero.

Each scene and shot in Sheep Hero bear the imprint of the shepherd's life, with broad landscapes serving as a backdrop to Stijn's demanding daily routine. Ton van Zantvoort's cinematographic genius unravels in each frame, grounding the viewer into the hard reality faced by people like Stijn, clinging to a lifestyle increasingly deemed impractical in the contemporary world.

The narration of Stijn and his family's struggle ties a genuinely relatable human aspect to his story. It brings forth the tale of a family man, caught in the tension of holding onto his beloved profession, respecting his ethos, and providing for his family. The shepherd's journey is juxtaposed with those of his wife and children, who, despite their love for Stijn and their shared admiration for his commitment, live the brunt of societal difficulty fettered to their father's unconventional choices.

The film employs an intimate narrative style, allowing audiences to deeply connect with Stijn's struggle. Evocative and poignant, Sheep Hero doesn't shirk away from exploring the harsh truths of Stijn’s life, including the physical labor and precarious financial situation.

Throughout the movie, nature emerges not just as a background, but as a character. The winds, the sunlight, the smell of the earth, the sound of the leaves, and the innocence of the sheep collectively illustrate the sublime beauty and serenity that Stijn fights to protect. It’s a world in which the audience could almost smell and touch the freshness of the morning dew and hear the soft footsteps of the sheep.

In its overall impact, Sheep Hero is not just a documentary on the life of one shepherd. Instead, it is a profound study of the relentless pace at which modern society repudiates traditional life. With a skilled symbiosis of human characters and natural vistas, the film lets viewers ponder whether the constant emphasis on progress and technology in contemporary society could lead to the potential erosion of all things traditional and natural.

Filled with beautiful cinematography, Sheep Hero is an incredibly engaging and compelling exploration of one man's stand, not just for himself and his sheep but for every person battling to preserve their way of life and humanity's relationship with nature. The film poses essential questions about one's values and the lengths to which we're willing to fight for what we believe in. Starring Stijn Hilgers' splendid performance, Sheep Hero sparks thoughtful reflection about the meaning of our daily existence when faced with the inevitable tide of modernization.