Defiance is a 2008 war drama about Jewish brothers in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe who escape into the Belarussian forests, where they join Russian resistance fighters.
Director Edward Zwick knows action, having helmed some truly great films, such as The Last Samurai and Glory, but he’s also a sensational storyteller, his action always part of but never overwhelming his films. Here, he tackles a true story, set in 1941 where Nazi forces are sweeping through Europe, killing Jewish citizens. Avoiding this are the four Bielski brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, and George MacKay) who have escaped into the nearby woods where they live, foraging for food and surviving while being hunted. Meanwhile, they encounter others like them and build their own raiding force as conflicts among them rise in the wake of low food, casualties, and ambitions. A harrowing story with great performances and direction, this is an uncommon war film about a subject we’ve seen often.
THE LAST WORD
As a film, this is exciting and full of in-your-face bravery and courage against horrific madness, led by an inspiring performance from the cast.
As history, this falls far from the truth and much controversy about its authenticity remains. Director Zwick’s no nonsense approach is without much nuance, hammering away at the good side of it all with a steady beat.