defying fate

Rating: 8/10 (5 July 2009)

Many a movie has been made about the Third Reich, and it has been fulfilling how each one looks at a specific topic within the Reich. Such is the case with Edward Zwick's "Defiance". The movie focuses on Tuvia (Daniel Craig) and Zus Bielski (Liev Schreiber), Jewish brothers who established a secret camp in the forest in Nazi-occupied Poland (the region where the movie is set is now part of Belarus). In avoiding the German army, the brothers align themselves with the Soviet army, who also looked down on Jews.
Most important is the fact that, in the midst of the horror surrounding them, all of the people in the camp find a way to maintain their hope, and the viewer strongly feels for them. The coming of winter seems to represent the near despair overcoming some of the people, but the coming of spring represents their renewed hope.
I should say that this movie is not "Schindler's List". Not even close. But even what it lacks is more than made up for by the acting and cinematography. I recommend it.
Also starring Jamie Bell ("Billy Elliott"), George MacKay, Alexa Davalos, Mia Wasikowska, Iben Hjejle and Jodhi May ("A World Apart").