Defiance

Defiance is a true story of the feisty Bielsky brothers who decided to fight the Nazis rather than go like sheep to the slaughter. The film is based on a book by Nechama Tec and it is directed by Edwards Zwick. Zwick tries to make a good film but I would say that he just made an okay film (not a bad one either).

After their parents are killed the brothers head for the forest to hide. Tuvia (Daniel Craig appears to be the leader) but he has fierce competiton from his brother Zus (Liev Schreiber). Tuvia was a more reasoned approache while Zus is more interested in revenge. Younger brother Asael (Jamie Bell) is torn between them.

While hiding in the forest they are joined by more and more Jews who are in hiding. They decide to form a community and rebuild their lives.

The problem with the film is that it is more of a Hollywood action film than anything else. We don't find out much about the brothers. I would have liked to know more about their backgrounds.

All of the acting is good with Craig and especially Schreiber turning in terrific performances. Also of note in the acting department is Alan Corduner as Shamon Haretz. He is a wonderful actor. I think that if a different director made this film - especially a European director - it would have made a world of difference.

Despite its flaws I was glad that I saw Defiance. It tells a little known story that needed to be told.