Another holocaust movie...

Rating: 5/10 (27 July 2009)

The inspirational story of family, honour and vengeance is told through 'Defiance'. Set in Poland, 1941 amidst the invasion of the Nazi's, with Jew's being massacred by the thousands, Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell star as the Belski brothers who manage to take refuge in a surrounding Forrest where they begin a enduring struggle for survival. As word of their refuge spreads, others come to join them for freedom.
Director Edward Zwick presents a riposte to the many holocaust films of Jews as long-suffering passive victims with a true story where they strong heroes. 'Defiance', however, gets caught between depicting facts and including Hollywood clichés, where unfortunately the latter dominates. There are strong performances all round, despite a script of largely proclamations, with Craig putting in a credible performance as the reluctant leader of the group, challenged by Schreiber, with his contrasting views of survival and ideas of revenge. Bell is also able to offer a decent supporting role, showing a positive transition from the naive youngest brother into a stronger adult. While the story of the Belski brother's is amazing, 'Defiance' offers an engaging, if somewhat overstretched, adaptation that does not leave the afterthought it set out to.