Production Year: 2008 - Drama - Director: Edward Zwick - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Allan Corduner, Mark Feuerstein, Liev Schreiber, Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell more
DEFIANCE is a different kind of World War II movie, one that looks at the Holocaust from a unique angle--telling the true story of a group of Jews in Eastern Europe who fought... more
Defiance (2008) DVD
Based on the book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans by Nechama Tec Defiance revolves around ... more
three Jewish Brothers Tuvia (Daniel Craig) Zus (Liev Schreiber) and Asael Bielski (Jamie Bell) who live in Nazi occupieed Poland. The Bielski brothers manage to escape into the Belarussian forest where they unite with Russian resistance fighters. The group endeavour to build a village inside the forest in order to protect themselves and others in danger.
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A review by Praski on Defiance (DVD) January 28th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Liked it
Story
Good
Characters / Performances
Good
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Satisfactory
Advantages:
An Interpretation of a true story of Jews fighting back
Disadvantages:
Fim not up to scratch - could have been so much better
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Film Only ~~~~~~
Why is it in most films the Jews are always portrayed as a defenceless and misfortunate race who are incapable of fighting back? Put yourself in their shoes - what would you do? If your family was about to be murdered and all your possessions taken away, would you just stand there and let it happen or would you try to defend yourself to stay alive? A difficult question to answer for most of us, no doubt - or perhaps it is something that we don't like to think about.
Well, this new film, based on the book written in 1993 by Nechama Tec, looks at the holocaust from a different perspective and gives us a different interpretation. Edward Zwick, the glossy director of Blood Diamond bases his film on the facts surrounding the Bielski family and the Bielski partisans. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Bielski partisans I will explain. They were groups of local, untrained civillian fighters from around the area of Nowogrodek and Lida which is now known as Belarus in Eastern Europe but did belong to the Second Polish Republic at the beginning of World War 11. They formed one of the largest groups of Jewish partisans in the Second World War.
This is their story.............
The year is 1941 and the film opens with the aftermath of a monstrous raid on the Bielski family home. The four brothers; Tuvia, Zus, Asael and Aron escape the devastation and retreat back into the woods where they were brought up in, and used to play. These boys aren't exactly angels. Tuvia has a history of smuggling and the other brothers have stolen the odd thing or two. They are are tough cookies and can handle themselves. They aren't afraid to kill in cold blood, they can handle their drink and they know their way through the dense forest. The brothers want revenge and it isn't too long before they start discussing how to get their own back on those accountable for killing their family. The time has come to fight back.
As they continue to camp in the forest and steal food and supplies from farms they come across other displaced Jews escaping from the ghettoes. This arrival brings new personalities and new skills to the camp. Each member is given a job for the benefit of the community. Together, they form the Bielski partisans and as the word spreads they are joined by more Jews willing to help fight their cause in return for food and shelter.
Eventually a community is formed which came to be known as a Bielski otriad and the band of outlaws go about their business in agressive Robin Hood style. Killing Russian collaborators in cold blood, shooting anyone who challenges their authority and slaughtering Germans. Eventually, more join the camp and this heavy responsibility weighs heavy on Tuvia's (Daniel Craig) shoulders. He takes it upon himself to mount his white steed and become the leader establishing a stable community and saving his fellow Jews from the evil of the Nazi's. Zus (Liev Schreiber) , the hot-headed brother, unable to free his mind from the awful memories of the death of his wife and child becomes restless. He craves revenge and wants German blood. Tuvia has aready had his revenge on the man who was responsible for murdering his family and massacring people in the ghettoes. Now he wants peace and stability for him and his people.
Consequently, arguments between the two brothers arise and there is a divide.
To add a little romantic fervour each brother chooses a forest wife, as you do stuck out in the middle of nowhere in a cold winter. The seasons change and the Bielski's have to survive the hardships of a freezing winter, starvation and enemy patrol whilst still keeping their humanity and sanity. Can they do it?
Summary ~~~~~~~
I couldn't wait to see this film because living in Poland, interersted in Jewish history and the holocaust, I thought this would be a great movie for me to watch. Oh, and I like Daniel Craig. So what's my verdict you may well ask. Good or bad?
Read on..............
Some of the publicity I saw and read before watching the film was in my view, false. This film was portrayed by some of the media as being extremely violent.
I have to disagree - it wasn't what I would call graphically violent. There are some shootings in the earlier part of the film and at the end some battles showing the intensity of war but there certainly aren't any scenes of non-stop violence and torture, and what violence we do see is bloodless. We are even spared the horrific scenes of violence at the begining of the film. What went before the afermath is left to our imagination.
Is this film about revenge? As far as revenge goes - Yes, there are many scenes of revenge but I wouldn't say this was the main important thread. I see this film more as a remarkable story of empathy and survival than slaughter and destruction.
Defiance is a film about the struggle to exist, there is no specific enemy. Although the Nazis are always looming the film focuses on the partisans enduring freezing temperatures, hunger and illness during a bitter winter. They also fear misfortune from within as fear and doubt threaten to overcome them, leading to confusion and rebellion.
In this way this is a film about a big family, a community. With strength in numbers and their individual skills, the Jews must realise that to survive in the wild they have to need each other and work together.
Central to the story are the three brothers, their reactions to their misfortunes formed by their different personalities. Aron (George Mackay) is only a child, silent through shock and fear. Aesel (Jaime Bell) is in his late teens and seems to be shaken the most by the traumatic happenings. The two elder brothers seem to be able to cope better with their feelings yet find themselves at odds with each other. Zus is the most spiteful, calculating and out for revenge. Tuvia is more sympathetic but sometimes indifferent. Obviously, this leads to decisions within the Bielski family and Jewish community. It's very interesting to see how all of the brothers develop and what choices they eventually make. Not everything goes to plan and I find this makes interesting story telling.
Good performances from all the cast especially from Daniel Craig who is his usual, unsmiling, tough and macho self. I have often thought for a while now how he could easily be Polish with his complexion and brilliant blue eyes. What I did think was rather silly was his freedom speech he gave whilst mounted on his white horse. A cross between Henry V and Braveheart. Although dressed to looked like a battling rebel in his brown leather jacket he still looks rather clean shaven and not that dishevelled. Hardly authentic. Where is the dirt and grime - remember he is living in an impenetrable forest? Also, I did wonder sometimes as he shoots down the enemy whether he had forgotten what movie he was in. He definitely had the look of Bond and not a Bielski partisan. Well, I suppose it all adds a bit of drama to the proceedings.
Schreiber is also excellent as the tough, rough hot head and the chemistry between the two brothers is admirable. Jaime Bell's acting can't be faulted either and I would say these three guys are the reason the film works. They keep it together.
I feel the script and the character development let's the film down. This is an inspiring story based on real people but the characters seem to be empty and flat. The director (Edward Zwick) and screenwriter (Clayton Frohman) have introduced the character roles but not fed us enough snippets of personality and characteristics to make the people memorable.
The story telling creates a good balance. We see action and drama and are not swamped with terror scenes like in some other holocaust movies. If there is one flaw then it is the lack of vision from Zwick. To me there isn't any individual touch on this film - it could have been made by any American director. It doesn't have the stamp of a Spielberg or Polanski. Some of the scenes are not original either and there are many a wartime cliche thrown in. This is one amazing story but I feel this is not an amazing film.
Cinematography - Eduardo Serra is a gifted camera man and his forest scenes are enchanting if not authentic. I love the sultry blues and green touches of the film which give it a slight Tolkein feel. Putting the artisitic splendour to one side I have to say that in reality this camp wouldn't have any fairy tale quality to it. So where is the grit? Although the costumes look great they are all too clean and look like they have never been in a forest at all. We have some Jews walking around, with perfectly trimmed beards, wearing fedora hats and fine woven scarves. If they were held up in a forest for nearly a year as portrayed they wouldn't look like they had just walked out of Saville Row. Just to be pedantic - in the true story they lived in the forest for 2 years and the forest filming in the movie was in Lithuiania not Belarus.
As for the action scenes - I did think they seemed rather staged and glossy and I never really felt any tension amongst our band of outlaws.
Final Word ~~~~~~~~
On the whole I think I was disappointed. This could have been a truly amazing film but somehow it seems to have fallen flat on its face. It's obviously been released in time for the Oscars but even the timing is bad with what is going on in Gaza.
Even though the film isn't up to scratch it did make me think about a few things. There are a some scenes where the Jews actually look like they are enjoying killing the Nazis. I did ask myself - are they enjoying it because they have got their revenge or is it a release of emotional tension after all the years of torment and persecution? Although there is the necessity to kill, at the same time they want to keep their dignity and don't want to suddenly become like their persecutors. Although, as I said earlier, I don't think this film is about total revenge, it made me think about their options when a German was captured. What should they have done? Hold him prisoner, kill him or release him? I think we see in the film that there are no easy answers, decisions have to be made and the partisans have to hold on to their humanity when making them. Are they doing what they had to do to survive or did they go to far? You will have to decide.
Extra Final Word ~~~~~~~~~~~
Defiance is a compelling story of how a community was formed and how they survived in a freezing winter without hardly any food or supplies. Believe me I know about freezing cold - only last week we had temperatures at night of nearly - 25. It shows how they faced adversity and responded to it. And we musn't forget that not only did they survive as a family they saved hundreds of other people. I think the final number who walked out of the camp when the area was liberated was 1,230 partisans included women and children. Even if the movie is slightly flawed I still recommend this as it is an amazing story of how these Jewish people fought back and perservered through bleak times.
~ DEFIANCE ~ Since the adverts for this film came out on T.V I wanted to see it. It had catchy music, fast action and it looked like my type of film. So Monday having a day off work I spent a lovely day with my boyfriend and took a trip down to the Cinema in Bath to see it. Cinema prices are so bad at the moment I hardly ever go anymore but I couldn't wait for this one to come out on DVD. As it was a Monday there weren't many people in the screen ... ...~ PLOT ~ Defiance is set in western Belarus which was Poland at the time of WW2 when The Nazi occupied the region. Set during WW2 when the Jews were targeted by The Nazi Regime the story is set along the line of the novel- 'Defiance- The Bielski Partisans by Nechama Tec which is a true story. Four Jewish brothers manage to escape the homeland ruled by the Germans and join soviet Partisans in hiding in the woods away from being slaughtered. The Brothers ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Good acting - interesting story Disadvantages: Of course very sad.
Defiance (2008) I went to the video shop and the first film that I saw was Defiance, which I had seen trailers for at the cinema. I was especially interested as I knew that it was based upon a true story. Basic Plot The plot centres upon brothers who have hidden out within the Belarussian forests; they are Jews who are trying to survive as the Nazi invasion progresses and friends and members of their family are killed. At first they are ... ...refuge withing the cover of the forest. The eldest brothers Tuvia (Daniel Craig) and Zus (Liev Schreiber) are soon at logger heads over the fact that food is short, but the community is growing. Tuvia is of the mind that they should take in anyone seeking shelter - Zus is more concerned with fighting the Germans and collaborators and seeking revenge. What starts out as just a couple of men quickly turns into a community trying to defy the Germans ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Emotional, based on true story Disadvantages: Maybe too long for some?
...that they are showing their defiance against them. Just how will they survive living in this make shift home with little to eat and the cold harsh winters to suffer out in the forest?
The cast:
I have to admit that when I saw the trailers for this back in December I was quite keen to see it just because Daniel Craig was in it! However it certainly seemed quite an intense film from the trailers and obviously a very sensitive subject too. Ultimately ... ...it was so I can't say it did make the film any less appealing for myself. Overall a good choice to see at the cinema and no doubt hubby will be purchasing as soon as it arrives onto DVD! Defiance is currently showing in UK cinemas (January 2009) ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Based on a remarkable true story. Strong convincing acting. The soundtrack. Disadvantages: Deviates from the true story a mite too much. Cliched scenes.
...central storyline is true however Defiance deviates from the truth on several occasions. Set in Belarus in 1941, the four Bielski brothers, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), Asael (Jamie Bell) and Aron (George MacKay) flee into the forest where they hope to find solace after the massacre of their family and neighbours. The brothers are gradually joined by other Jews also seeking to evade the Nazi onslaught. The small group swells into a ... ...of the book on which Defiance is based, stated in an interview with that she was “initially shocked by the film, especially by the intense battle scenes, which included combat with a German tank. These battles never occurred in reality: the partisans tried to avoid combat and were focused on survival.” Tec stated this divergence to the truth was an adaptation made by Edward Zwick to make the film more thrilling and exciting. Defiance’s representation ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Great performances from the cast Disadvantages: None
Defiance, released in 2009, tells the story of the three Bielski brothers fighting for freedom for the Jewish, in German occupied Poland. After the brutal murder of the Jewish population in their town, the three brothers escape to the forest where they are joined by many other Jewish people who have also fled the persecution. The eldest of the brothers, Tuvye (Daniel Craig), makes the decision to try to save and hide as many Jewish people as possible ... ...such forms and takes leadership of what he calls the Otriad Partisan. With the German SS and finally the German Army seeking them out, their lives are never safe, but as Tuvye argues at least they are free. The special effects on the film were great, at certain points when confronting the German army or SS for example it was hard to believe they weren't actually fighting, which I guess is the point! The film is based upon true events, the Bielski ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: inspiring story, impressive screenplay, good actors Disadvantages: violent scenes
...Just recently seen this movie and I must say that this is certainly one of the best war adaptation movies that I've seen. I always love watching war/epic movies amongst other film genre. I don't know but I never fail to notice that in every war movie, there is always a certain principle that is fought even to death. Defiance film was based on the true events written by Nechama Tec in her book, Defiance: The Bielski Partisans. It was all about the untold story of the Beilski brothers who have done significant contribution among their fellow Jews during the Nazi German occupation. Directed by Edward Zwick, a well known top film producer and director. Among his remarkable work are films such as Shakespeare in Love, The Last Samurai and Blood Diamond. Of course, with the good reputation as one of the best James Bond superhero, Daniel Craig...
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...A great British film that I really enjoyed. According to the BBC review this is : "a fascinating film, and a snapshot of an era that's depressingly all too real."
"Finney exhibits a talent and screen-presence here that helped make him a star. Meanwhile, director Reisz (who went on to make "The French Lieutenant's Wife" in 1981) stays faithful to the spirit of Sillitoe's novel, never compromising on either the bleakness of his vision or his (over) optimistic faith in his hero's defiance."
There are no special extras with this DVD
Director: Karel Reisz
Writer: Alan Sillitoe
Stars: Albert Finney, Rachel Roberts, Sally Anne Field, Bryan Pringle, Hylda Baker, Norman Rossington, Elsie Wagstaff.
**** ****
Resolution: 1.66 Wide Screen
Genre: Drama
Length: 88 minutes
Original: 1960
Country: UK...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: A great epic with amazing music Disadvantages: Quite long
...filmed in pouring rain show the deedication of the cast and crew for authenticity.
The music accompanying this film is absolutely fantastic. Composer James Horner has surpassed himself, from slow solemn bagpipe drones to rather excited battle music. But for every moment in the film there is a suitable piece of music.
The cast in this film is very strong, with impeccable performances from everyone. Mel Gibson's attempt at a Scottish accent has become legendary. The characters are completely believable, and you lose your sense of here-and-now when you're watching it. The final execution scene is heartbreaking, and I defy anyone not to shed even the tiniest tear as Wallace delivers his final defiance to Longshanks.
The 2-disc DVD edition features a 30 minute documentary on the making of Braveheart, with interviews with some of the cast...
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Consumer Advice: Contains strong language and violence
Video Category: Feature Film
Country Of Origin: United States of America
Plot: Daniel Craig (CASINO ROYALE, ENDURING LOVE) trades in 007's trademark tux for World War II-era garb in this film from director Edward Zwick (BLOOD DIAMOND, GLORY). Craig stars with Liev Schreiber (EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE) and Jamie Bell (BILLY ELLIOT, THE FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS) as men who hide more than 1,000 Jews in a Russian forest and battle Nazi soldiers.
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): MOMENTUM PICTURES; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, MOMENTUM PICTURES
Languages
Main Language: English
Hearing Impaired Language: English
Technical information
Special Features: Director's commentary, Return To The Forest - The making of DEFIANCE
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound: Dolby Digital
DVD Description
DEFIANCE is a different kind of World War II movie, one that looks at the Holocaust from a unique angle--telling the true story of a group of Jews in Eastern Europe who fought back. On the run from the Germans and the local police, the three Russian Bielski brothers--Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), and Asael (Jamie Bell)--hide out deep in the forest. Their numbers swell as more and more refugees join them, coming together to form a community while also patrolling with guns and shooting the enemy to stay alive. But Tuvia and Zus have a falling-out over what future direction to take: Tuvia thinks it best to remain in the forest despite the coming vicious winter, but Zus wants to join the Russian resistance, which is aggressively attacking the Nazis. Complicating the situation are the women in their lives, known as forest wives--Lilka (Alexa Davalos) shows interest in Tuvia, Bella (Iben Hjelje) grows close to Zus, and young Chaya (Mia Wasikowska) and Asael flirt with the tingles of first love. As food grows scarce, diseases increase, and the Nazis become determined to find and kill them, the Bielski Otriad struggles to survive, battling back when necessary, including taking up arms. Directed by Edward Zwick (GLORY, BLOOD DIAMOND) and based on the nonfiction book by Dr. Nechama Tec, DEFIANCE is a powerful thriller filled with tense human emotion, a gripping story about brotherly love and the basic human instinct to survive against all odds. Craig (LAYER CAKE, CASINO ROYALE), Schreiber (EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED), and Bell (BILLY ELLIOTT) are terrific as the Bielski brothers, three very different individuals who simply refuse to just lie down and die.
Professional reviews
Review: Explosive action and an incredible story. Absolutely unmissable (Capital Radio, 20/03/2009)
Craig is classy and charismatic. Liev Schreiber is absolutely superb (Mail On Sunday, 20/03/2009)
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