Defiance

PREMIER MOVIE REVIEWS - Defiance (2008)

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Defiance (2008)

Genre: War/Drama

Director: Edward Zwick

Certificate: Defiance was rated 15A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 15 years of age or upwards. Persons under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Violence = strong. Drugs = none. Sex/Nudity = mild. Language = moderate.

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Defiance

Plot Summary & Review

Well a cracking start to 2009 with Daniel Craig’s new World War II offering - Defiance. I'll get the two negatives out of the way – firstly, it's directed by Edward Zwick (I’ve always had a love hate relationship with the Zwickster). Secondly, there are flourishes of the old Hollywood gloss about it, though it didn't spoil my enjoyment mainly due to the plethora of other things there are to celebrate about this film.

Defiance is a simple tale based on a true story of a band of Jewish brothers called Bielski led by Tuvia (Craig) the fiery Zus (Liev Schrieber) Asael (Jamie Bell) and the youngest Aron (George MacKay), who following the slaughter of their parents at the hands of the Nazis flee to the forest initially to become freedom fighters in the hope of seeking retribution for their loss. However, their plan goes pear-shaped as other Jews begin to follow, seeking protection and shelter. The brothers can hardly feed themselves but soon they are responsible for hundreds who would rather die in the woods than in the Ghettos.

We see love blossom for the brothers along the way, and we also see death, sickness, violence, and hatred unfold as each new drama takes its toll on the renegade community.

The cinematography and settings are breathtaking on occasion, and the haunting soundtrack only enhances it all, the performances are all excellent with Craig ditching Bond temporarily and becoming totally believable in the role, Schrieber is equally powerful as the surly but noble Zus, and Bell has at last come into his own as the brave young Asael.

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There's integrity about the whole thing that draws you in from the start and I loved the way Craig and Schrieber in particular used huge chunks of both English and Russian dialogue throughout the film, as it really helped create the right atmosphere. Of course at the end when the credits are rolling they give you the information you've been waiting for - what happened to the main characters following the aftermath of their struggle. It's a remarkable story, and I suppose that's why this film works, it is story telling of the highest quality, and we humans love to see the underdog grab the glory every now and then. Defiance is a heady mix of intense drama and action, with a dose of humanity thrown in to balance it all up. Well worth the admission price - go see it folks.

Reviewed by Mary Kate, Premier Movie Reviews 2009

Main Cast

Daniel Craig

Liev Schreiber

Jamie Bell

Alexa Davalos

Allan Corduner

Mark Feuerstein

RATING