Defiance

Watch Defiance

"Freedom begins with an act of defiance"
  • R
  • 2008
  • 2 hr 17 min
  • 7.1  (155,468)
  • 58

Defiance is a thrilling drama set in Eastern Europe during World War II. The movie is based on the true story of the Bielski Partisans, a group of Jewish resistance fighters who escaped Nazi persecution and formed a community in the forest. The film begins with the Bielski brothers, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber), and Asael (Jamie Bell), fleeing from their hometown after their parents are killed by German soldiers. The brothers are forced to abandon their comfortable lives and become outlaws, hiding in the dense forests of Belarus.

As they move deeper into the woods, the brothers encounter other Jews who have also fled the Nazis. Tuvia, the eldest of the Bielski brothers, takes on the role of leader and protector of the group. He sets up a base camp and begins to organize the survivors, providing food and shelter for those who have lost everything. Although he is initially reluctant to accept Zus, who has joined a group of Russian partisans fighting against the Nazis, into their fold, Tuvia eventually agrees to let him join the group.

As the winter approaches, the Bielski Partisans struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of the forest. They must hunt for food, gather firewood, and protect themselves from attacks by the Germans and their collaborators. Tensions rise between Tuvia and Zus, who is resentful of his brother's reluctance to join the fight against the Nazis. Asael, the youngest brother, becomes close to a girl named Chaya, who has also joined the group.

Meanwhile, Tuvia's relationship with another survivor, Lilka, becomes strained as he focuses on his responsibilities as leader of the community. Lilka urges Tuvia to take more risks and become more involved in the resistance against the Nazis. Eventually, Tuvia agrees to help a group of Soviet partisans in their fight against the Germans, leading to a violent confrontation that forces the Bielski Partisans to flee deeper into the forest.

As the war drags on, the Bielski Partisans continue to fight for survival, facing constant danger from the Nazis and their collaborators. Zus becomes increasingly involved in the resistance movement, leading raids on German convoys and engaging in sabotage operations. Tuvia, on the other hand, becomes more focused on protecting the community and ensuring their survival.

Ultimately, the Bielski Partisans' struggle against the Nazis comes to a head in a climactic battle. The survivors, armed only with makeshift weapons, face off against a group of heavily armed German soldiers. The outcome of the battle will determine the fate of the community and the legacy of the Bielski brothers.

Defiance is a gripping and powerful film that tells the story of one of the most remarkable resistance movements of World War II. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell give outstanding performances as the Bielski brothers, bringing depth and humanity to these characters who must navigate the brutal realities of war and the complexities of family relationships. The movie is a tribute to the courage and resilience of those who fought against the Nazis and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right.

Defiance is a 2008 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 58.

Defiance
Description
Where to Watch Defiance
Defiance is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Defiance for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2008
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr 17 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (155,468)
  • Metascore
    58