Film Review: Defiance. Director: Edward Zwick."Defiance" is a tale of resistance to the Nazi invasion of Polish Belarussia in 1941 during the Second World War. It stars Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielski, one of three Bielski brothers who fled to the forests rather than allow themselves to be kept in the ghettos formed by the Germans.
Based on a true story the film takes us through the testing conditions of surviving in the freezing forests in a country occupied by deadly enemies. The film looks spectacular with great direction and the actors truly look as exhausted as they are supposed to! Perhaps method acting was employed and they were forced to sleep rough! I don't know if this is the case but the overall feel is certainly gritty and authentic. The acting is superb with fine performances given by Messrs Craig and Jamie Bell (without tights this time!).
Although violence is a necessary part of the plot there is great attention paid to Tuvia's struggle with his own leadership decisions and the constant wrestling of humanity versus survival. There is one scene which brings this to a head. You'll know it when you see it! A grim chapter of human history indeed.
Without spoiling your enjoyment by divulging more detail the film truly gave me a feeling for the hardships endured by the victims of the Nazis. If there is a bright side it is in the strong show of defiance shown by ordinary people with nothing against their well-equipped and motivated oppressors.
You will enjoy this feature if you're at all interested in World history or just the strength of the human spirit.
7/10
Review: Mark Woods, LordBeanpod@GMail.com, January 2009.
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