World War II casualty statistics vary greatly, from estimates of 50 million to over 70 million. This makes World War II the deadliest war in human history, and the drama of that conflict has spawned more than 100 films.
“Defiance,” directed by Edward Zwick, whose credits include “Blood Diamond” and “The Last Samurai,” is a film of epic proportion. It’s a tale of the Bielski partisan who perform the impossible by fighting against and surviving the Nazi Germany occupation in Belarus.
Tuvia Bielski (Daniel Craig) and his two younger brothers, Zus Bielski (Liev Schreiber) and Asael Bielski (Jamie Bell) work together to create one of the most successful Jewish resistance forces in World War II.
“Defiance” follows the story of this group’s struggle to survive. As the movie progresses, the trio takes in more and more Jews fleeing the Nazis by offering them safety, food and shelter. But as their numbers grow, it becomes increasingly difficult to do precisely what they offered – to help them survive.
Tension mounts. Tuvia takes on the role of leader but is challenged. Zus tolerates Tuvia’s sense of righteousness and his inability to be ruthless. After a fight between the brothers, Zus leaves the camp and takes with him some of the most talented fighters and joins the Russians.
Those left behind prepare for the long and brutal winter. Survival is a constant struggle, and Tuvia must constantly look over his shoulder in fear of discovery by German scouting brigades, or even revolt among the very people he is trying to save.
“Defiance” truly captures the terror that Jews faced during World War II.
The actual script has, of course, been Americanized. The dialect used by a Jewish partisan during the 1940s most certainly would sound significantly different.
The humor is equally Americanized and seems somewhat awkward at times, but if you don’t look too far into it, there’s no reason to complain.
Scene transitions are very smoothly integrated as well as the passage of time. It’s always easy to understand exactly what is going on. There are few (if any) holes or bumps in the storytelling that may throw off your attention.
Craig offers a fantastic performance as well. His character puts out so much intensity and emotion that it’s easy to find yourself absorbed in the film.
“Defiance” finally gives us what we’ve all been asking for – a new, original look into World War II, a different part of the world, depicting a different event. Best of all, Zwick did it right. This is truly a solid film.
