Defiance

Copyright by Paramount Pictures and other respective production studios and distributors.

Rating:

More than half a century after WWII, compelling stories of triumph amidst tragedy continue to emerge. In his latest directorial effort, Academy Award winner Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond) tells one such tale.

Adapted from Nechama Tec’s novel of the same name, Defiance recounts the epic journey of the Bielski brothers, as they seek to avenge the death of their family- killed at the hands of Hitler’s anti-Semitic army.

Daniel Craig and Liev Shreiber are faultlessly cast in the two leading roles, as Tuvia and Zus Bielski. They provide a realistic portrayal of two brothers united in spirit, but divided in ideals. While Tuvia and Zus soak up the majority of the screen time, it is Asael Bielski (Jamie Bell) that steals the show, brilliantly portraying the youngest Bielski in a multilayered and moving performance.

Filmed on location in Lithuania, Defiance carries an enormous power of authenticity and realism from start to finish, as the film takes you inside the Belarusian forests to shed light on the previously untold true story.

While Zwick has done a masterful job, having crafted a screenplay rich in epic dialogue and meaningful relationships, he may in fact be guilty of biting off a little more than the film can chew. The numerous sub-plots in the film do little to enhance its credibility, and instead detract from its already powerful story.

Defiance gets a lot of things right, from its brilliant cast to its luminous artistic direction; however the film’s failure to create a strong emotional connection with its audience proves to be its major downfall. The inability to create the lasting sentiment that WWII films are usually known for, leaves a brilliant story teetering on the edge of mediocrity.