Shepherds and Butchers

Shepherds and Butchers is a 2016 dramatic film, directed by Oliver Schmitz and written by Brian Cox. The film is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Chris Marnewick. Set in the 1980s during apartheid, the movie explores South Africa's justice system and the ethical dilemma of capital punishment. The cinematic exploration of the grim confrontation between individual and institutional responsibility stars big names like Steve Coogan, Andrea Riseborough, and Garion Dowds.

British actor Steve Coogan plays as the dedicated and righteous lawyer named John Weber. Always known for his charming roles, Coogan dwells into a more profound character for this film, adding credence through seriousness while connecting the audience to the themes of the film. Andrea Riseborough's character is Kathleen, a stalwart lawyer always walking the tight path of law and morality. Garion Dowds gives the audience a stunning performance as the central character, Leon, a young white South African man who works on death row.

The film opens displaying Weber, battling demons of his addiction while trying to keep his life from falling apart. The crux of the story lies in Weber deciding to represent the seemingly introverted prison guard Leon, who is charged with the cold-blooded murder of seven black men. The case seems straightforward at first - a racially motivated act of violence not unusual for the context of the apartheid era. However, the real story starts unfolding when Weber decides to meet Leon in person.

The narrative smoothly transitions back and forth from Weber's attempt at understanding the psychological trauma that Leon may have suffered due to his job and the court proceedings representing his murder trial. The audience is also privy to the confusion, arrogance, and callousness of a young Leon juggling his daunting job's duties and the changing political landscape in South Africa.

The film is a lot more than a mere courtroom drama; it is also an exploration of the human psyche under tough circumstances. It throws light on how a young, 19-year-old prison guard, Leon Labuschagne finds himself maneuvering through a justice system that openly advocates for human execution. He is traumatized each day by being the henchman of the system himself and is torn between his livelihood and the ethical dilemma of killing human beings.

On the other hand, Weber, despite his personal shortcomings, is drawn to the moral ambiguity that surrounds Leon's case. As a lawyer, he is committed to the law, but as a human being, he feels the obligation to show the court that, in fact, the system they so rigidly support is the one that has pushed a man to his breaking point.

In Shepherds and Butchers, the audience gets to see the apartheid-era South Africa's grim realities, a glimpse into the evils of legal structures, and the ethical dilemma surrounding the death penalty. The courtroom battle in the film is an epitome of resistance and change. The interactions between Weber and Leon provide insight into the legal system's forced brutality that produces young executioners like Leon, who have to suppress empathy and compassion to execute their assigned duties.

Schmitz's meticulous direction melds the reality of apartheid South Africa with the disturbing aspects of capital punishment, making it an edge-of-the-seat social document. The cinematography by Leah Striker is notable for vividly portraying the grim ambience of prison cells and courtrooms. The performance by the cast, especially Coogan and Dowds, rounds out a moving portrayal of a bleak era in South Africa's history.

Shepherds and Butchers make the audience question the essence and justice of the death penalty. It doesn't shy away from showing the profound psychological impact it has on the men who perform the act. The intertwining of personal stories and legal drama makes the movie a compelling watch, grappling with themes as potent and relevant as apartheid, capital punishment, and the traumatic aftermath of legalized killing. Shepherds and Butchers is a powerful film that explores the humanity within the darkest corners of societal structures and legal systems.