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 give good catch on this movie.
STORY OVERVIEW:
The setting of the story was in 1941 during the when Germany occupies Belorussia. SS death squads and local police murdered around 50,000 Jews in a matter of weeks and a million more awaits their death.
The Bielski family was among the thousand families that have tasted the bitterness of losing the members of their family. But Bielski brothers Zus (Liev Schreiber), Asael (Jamie Bell), Aron (George MacKay) manage to escape those ruthless Nazis and fled to the nearby Lipiczariska Forest. Hiding in the woods, the older Bielski brother Tuvia (Daniel Craig) came to rescue his brothers. Not knowing how their future will be, these brothers started their lives again. But unknowingly, there are other Jews also hiding in that forest. Tuvia, having a good heart of a leader, act to lead these people, feed them, encourage them to live in freedom despite of the uncertainty of their future. Just as Tuvia said " Everyday of Freedom is like an act of faith ". I leave the overview hanging at this point for you to find out how these people manage to survive and will did they took them lifetime to flee?
OPINION AND VIEWS:
Plot/Story
This good story really gives viewer something to think about? It admonish us to endure hardship, live up the principle of a brave heart, work together as community, and learn to live in freedom amidst difficult situation. The story teaches a lot of lessons and principles. Justice, cooperation, leadership, and freedom are just among these teachings. Haunted like animals, one courageous word of Tuvia to his fellow Jew that really move me was his statement saying " ...and if we should die for trying to live, then at least we die like human beings ". This word ignites the desires and lifted up the spirit of his people.
Cast
Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielsk -Unlike the tough guy James Bond, Daniel Craig as Tuvia, displays more of his diplomatic character. It was his name that struck me to watch this movie. I didn?t read much of the story of even bother to notice the director. I wanted to find out the other side of today?s James Bond. His performance in this movie is really impressive. Acting is very natural.
Liev Schreiber as Zus Bielski -Schreiber has done a remarkable performance as the impulsive Bielski brother. He fights what he believe should be the right thing to do, hungry for revenge and justice. He has some opposition towards his brother Tuvia for being the diplomatic thinker, but in the end they still learned to lean on each other.
Jamie Bell as Asael Bielski -Asael displays his weaker side at first but he learned to be strong enough seeing his brothers great courage. As young as he is, good, loving man and he displays a very rare qualities of an innate leader. I think Jamie Bell has all the potential of a good actor. And he already proved his worth by winning best actor at BAFTA for his performance in the film "Billy Illiot". Even his performance in the Greeday music video "Wake Me Up When September Ends"- simply remarkable.
George MacKay as Aron Bielski -This young Bielski serves as the eye for his brothers. George Mackay's acting was impressive.
Alexa Davalos as Lilka Ticktin -Lilka was not a Jew but her initiative of such defiance among the Germans have saved lives of hundreds. She possess beauty and has a devout heart of a fearless woman. Tuvia and Lilka?s love story in this movie is certainly a must see. Mia Wasikowska as Chaya Dziencielsky -A beautiful young lady captures the heart of Asael.
Iben Hjejle as Bella -The woman that gives Zus a good reason to come back.
Screenplay
Screenplay was magnificent. The transition of the camera from the old black and white motion scene to the modern imagery was impressive. The setting and the physical appearance of the characters were all done convincingly.
Sound
I don't remember much the background sound but I think its enough to give life to the scenes.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
I think I am not that convinced with the character of Zus being a brother of Tuvia based on physical attributes. Azael , Aron and Tuvia looks more convincing as brothers but not Zus. But over-all, I enjoyed watching this movie. Seen it the second time prior writing this review. Acting is superb and I must say no boring scenes. The good story leaves a nice inspiration.
Please check the DVD details in the product info.
I also posted this review at ciao.com.
I hope I was able to help. Have a nice day.
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Production Year: 1971 - Westerns - Director: Richard Benedict, Douglas Heyes, Leslie Martinson - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Ben Murphy, Pete Duel
![Defiance [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78505066.jpg "Defiance [DVD]")
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