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Defiance

Release Date 09 Jan 2009 18 May 2009

User rating
Currently 3/5 Stars.

Critic rating

97% of raters want to see this movie

Certificate: 15

Genre:

Based on an extraordinary true story, "Defiance" is an epic tale of family, honor, vengeance and salvation in World War II. The year is 1941 and the Jews of Eastern Europe are being massacred by the thousands. Managing to escape certain death, three brothers take refuge in the dense surrounding woods they have known since childhood. There they begin their desperate battle against the Nazis. The brothers turn a primitive struggle to survive into something far more consequential--a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones by saving thousands of others. At first, it is all they can do to stay alive. But, gradually, as whispers of their daring spreads, they begin to attract others--men and women, young and old--willing to risk everything for the sake of even a moment's freedom. Tuvia is a reluctant leader and his decisions are challenged by his brother, Zus who worries that Tuvia's idealistic plans will doom them all. Asael is the youngest--caught between his brothers' fierce rivalry. As a brutal winter descends, they work to create a community, and to keep faith alive when all humanity appears to be lost.

Writers:
Clayton Frohman | Edward Zwick

Producers:
Edward Zwick | Pieter Jan Brugge

Directors:
Edward Zwick

Movies.ie Critic Review

Our critics review will be added soon.

Avg User rating
Currently 3/5 Stars.

User Reviews

- Currently 3/5 Stars.
ssconnolly

i was a tad disappointed with this one. The cast are all very good but the inspirational true story was poorly handled. Very badly structured and I don't know if it was because of the same setting for the whole thing or the story but it dragged quite a bit in places. an epic shoot out to end the film but overall it was just about decent.
- Currently 3/5 Stars.
castorph
- Currently 4/5 Stars.
dbraiden
- Currently 4/5 Stars.
Garrincha
- Currently 3/5 Stars.
roganjosh
- Currently 3/5 Stars.
Lawless_Samurai

It was enjoyable. I wasn't overly impressed though. It is a great story and for the most part very well acted except maybe for the lead which is hard for me to say because I'm a big Daniel Craig fan. The closing scene is well constructed but over all just falls short of the four star mark. Just like Dr. Faulk said you never find yourself on the edge of your seat
- Currently 3/5 Stars.
TheDave

Interesting story; Liev Schrieber is great in it - though the action scenes are poor.
- Currently 4/5 Stars.
dawiseguy

Well, here is a prime example of ignoring mainstream media reviews and just going to see for yourself! i had read several mediocre reviews from papers, etc, but being a fan of war movies in general and my wife generally not, when she said she'd like to see it, i jumped at the chance, even if it is was a guaranteed stinker. luckilly enough, it's far from that. ok, so it's not perfect, but it's a great story, well casted, well acted, good action sequences. all round a very worthy movie, honoring a very worthy memory, and doing it great justice.
- Currently 5/5 Stars.
jamie2jay

i went too this film thinkin it was gonna be an ok watch but instead came out very very pleased it was a brilliant watch
- Currently 4/5 Stars.
monoke

I was dragged along by the boyfriend kicking and screaming - not big into war pics. But thankfully this isn’t your typical hack, slash, shoot pic - it offers up a very human story of a people trying to survive in exceptional circumstances. The three leads are fascinating to watch - as deeply flawed men who ultimately prove anyone can stand up for the right thing. For a Holocaust film, it is uplifting.
- Currently 3/5 Stars.
leggyblonde

A fascinating story with so much potential – but sadly it was poorly executed – Craig and Schreiber work well together, though younger sibling Bell is forgettable (more by role than ability) In terms of action sequences – slow motion… Really? Is that what passes these days. Disappointing
- Currently 3/5 Stars.
Dr_Faulk

Perfectly acceptable TV movie detailing the antics of a remarkable enough group of people who escaped Nazi persecution. Action is fine. Acting is fine. But it never really brought me to the edge of my seat.
- Currently 4/5 Stars.
Divasanon

Really enjoyed this one. Jamie Bell is the stand out performer, for me anyway. That's not to take away from Daniel Craig or Liev Schrieber either. Some beautiful photography and scenery in it too. A real story of survival and hope and would definitely recommend that it be seen in the cinema rather than wait for the DVD.