Synopsis
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Reviews (121)
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M
“Defiance” is a gripping World War II drama that tells the incredible true story of the Bielski brothers, played brilliantly by Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, and a young George MacKay, who selflessly led a group of Jewish refugees to safety in the Belarusian forests. The film features terrific performances, great characters, and strong writing. My only real gripe is that, despite the powerful and emotional story being depicted, the film doesn’t quite convey that emotion as effectively as it should. However, It’s still an interesting and entertaining war film that I recommend checking out if you get the chance. My Last Review: | Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes |
95 5 -
R
I was quite surprised at how much this feels like a Robin Hood movie. The not-so-merry bunch of outlaws & outcasts trying to live & work together against an evil oppressive enemy, who they fight via ambush & cunning, all from within the heart of a dark forest. Anyway the action is a clear victim of the post-Bourne shaky cam, but this is otherwise solid.
78 6 -
T
With “Defiance,” Edward Zwick assembles the type of film that has become his stock in trade: a rousing, emotionally alive story about war and its effects on those fighting it. Zwick weaves together humanity and explosive spectacle, and, though “Defiance” is not as passionate and exhilarating as “Legends of the Fall,” “Glory,” or “The Last Samurai,” it is a memorable and impactful piece of work. Focusing on four Jewish brothers who work to smuggle Belorussian Jews to safety in 1941, the film details the hardships, fighting, and personal dramas that took place in and around makeshift camps built in the Eastern European woods. Zwick puts a narrative premium both on gritty violence and human hearts, and, here, he succeeds in…
71 1 -
A
There have been many documented films about The Holocaust. What they all have in common is the power to educate. How many people aside from historians had heard about Oskar Schindler before Thomas Keneally’s book and Steven Spielberg’s film? The same would apply to the Bielski brothers, a group of partisans who rescued Jews in Eastern Poland at the height of the Nazi’s occupation. A true story, this has Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell as the main protagonists battling against overwhelming odds in the Naliboki Forest. This film dispels the notion of Jewish passivity, but also upset historians who accused director Ed Zwick of more than a few mistruths. Controversial in Poland and Belarus upon its release, this…
34 -
D
Skillfully balancing intense action and compelling drama, Edward Zwick delivers yet another impressively crafted and put together historical war film with Defiance, featuring terrific performances, engaging characters, and strong writing and direction.
36 -
M
I watched this at work as it came on after Match of The Day. Wasn’t huge on it. Hated everyone doing a stupid accent.
34 3 -
R
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🤎
daniel craig, jamie bell, baby george mackay, mia wasikowska, liev schreiber need i say more???
59 1 -
M
A great story with a loaded cast that has some powerful moments but also underwhelms in aspects. At its core, the connection between the brothers and how they are trying to save hundreds while also looking out for themselves and each other is very intriguing. I started to lose interest as it delved a bit into Fiddler on the Roof territory with forest wives for each of the brothers. There were many points in the film where I felt that Defiance didn’t exactly know what it wanted to be. Still, as with any film dealing with the atrocities of the Holocaust, it is powerful and will certainly leave an emotional impact.
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A
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J
A local theater had a giant cardboard diorama thing for this. An eight-foot tall Daniel Craig, gun in hand, eyes a piercing blue, backlit heroically. They didn’t quite have the room to fit a titanic papercraft between the bathroom entrances, so they squished the marketing altar and a 200-gallon waste bin together. It worked great, but the title’s “De” was totally obscured. So there stood Daniel. Triumphant and gleaming. Fiance.
53 1 -
C
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Z
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T
Of two minds about it. (1) Handsome war drama shot on location with pretty decent action scenes. (2) Applying typical hollywood cliches to the partisans doesn’t sit right with me. Had I no personal connection to the material I’d likely think the movie was fine, but since that’s not the case I found certain parts to chafe. Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber love doing accents.
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Y
Encore une vraie réussite de ce réalisateur qui commence à bien creuser son trou à Hollywood. Abordant une histoire peu connue, il parvient à nous tenir en haleine pendant les 2h10 du film avec un duo d’acteurs excellent. Un très bon moment de bon cinéma
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M
You ask yourself, going into your 10th something World War II film: how is this one gonna stand out? You soon come to find out that a lot of people got horny after their families died and started shacking up with their forest husbands and forest wives. In fact, they had to even put in a no-pregnancy rule, just in case. Very interesting.
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K
enjoyed the suffering thy have and the should suffer forever
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P
DUE VISIONI DI SOPRAVVIVENZA NEL CUORE DELLA SHOAH In un panorama cinematografico spesso incline a raccontare la Shoah attraverso il prisma della sola vittimizzazione, Defiance – I giorni del coraggio si impone con forza proponendo un cambio di prospettiva fondamentale: quello della resistenza attiva e organizzata. Edward Zwick porta sullo schermo la storia straordinaria dei fratelli Bielski nella foresta di Naliboki, trasformando un dramma storico in un’intensa riflessione morale sull’atto stesso del sopravvivere. Il cuore concettuale dell’opera risiede nello scontro…
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C
This movie started with a compilation of Hitler and nazis. I had to look around the plane to ensure there were no wandering eyes judging what I was watching in my middle seat.
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M
The score goes so hard 🔥 deserved the Academy Award nomination 👏
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T
baby George MacKay awwwwww
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M
respect.
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T
mazel tov.
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M
Film dal grande impatto. Ottima interpretazione per Daniel Craig e Liev Schreiber.
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T
beautiful representation of WWII Jewish resurgence from the Holocaust. it really shows the sorrow and religious implications of the death of millions this is one of Daniel Craig’s best performances, i remember watching this when i was younger and felt so compelled by this interpretation of the subject it’s feels more meditative and lived in, and at the same time gave me strong and emotional warfare sequences. some of the most raw gorilla style cinematography of its time. also this is peak Daniel Craig – James Bond era. 2008 he is so legendary for this. deep cut
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R
Film correct, un peu mou du genou, mais avec une très bonne musique. 🎞️*🎟️*
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S
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C
Exactly what you’d expect from a Zwick production. Good action, pacing with noticeable lulls, and dudes with hero complexes. Very watchable and entertaining.
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L
just when I thought the mood couldn’t get sadder after Restless, we’re back in Nazi Germany WWII with this untold story of a rebellion who banded together, creating their own civilization and surviving the horrors of war, based upon the book of the same name by Nechama Tec; Defiance. I had only seen one other film from director Edward Zwick, that being 2010’s Love & Other Drugs, but to my surprise, most of his films are centered around these big and…
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W
Probably a better WW2 piece. I’m glad that the film wasn’t afraid to bring up controversial activities by the Partisans; the fight scenes were good too. it does feel a bit boring at times tho, I emphasize this movie feels really fucking long
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N
Cool story. These guys showed serious guts. It’s Hard to believe what Jewish people were put through during the Holocaust. To actively defy the odds and avoid capture is a miracle.
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R
If only “wide shots” could enter this chat bc I’m tired of counting Daniel’s pimples
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L
Liev Schreiber once played a Nazi, now he’s fighting Nazis. the second I saw Mia Wasikowska I forgot the plot. Jamie Bell and Mia Wasikowska really said “what if Jane and St. John were in WWII?” what are Jane and John doing in this forest??? the Jane Eyre cinematic universe is getting out of hand
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K
A bunch of jewish people hang out in the woods while the Russians take resources for the war effort from everyone and the nazis get killed.
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J
While this film has its moments (especially in the action sequences), there are times where it does feel formulaic. Overall though, it’s a worthy watch because of the subject matter. The fact that the protagonists never sought attention for what they did and ended up living normal lives in NYC is so different than what we would see today.
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3
Amazing actors and actresses Emotional story unbelievable tho x
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Hhiphopflippo 8 月 4, 2026
only caught the end, bog crossing moved me a bit and Daniel Craig
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B
Pretty insane story but was reading up on the real history of this resistance group and it honestly was even more crazy that the movie depicted. Also felt the acting was a bit lackluster but overall solid
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C
un film américain un (presque) happy end? classique. Sauf que la on parle de l’Histoire, la vraie. Dédié à tout les héros inconnus. bien. B
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M
Everyone talks about Jeremy Allen White staring with those eyes, but I will raise you a Daniel Craig.
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E
Like the director, but not this movie for some reason.
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E
Jewish James Bond
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J
A fine film. I feel like I can relate because when I was a kid I went into the woods and built forts and fought imaginary people with stick guns. Now, I wasn’t a Jew being hunted by Nazis but close enough.
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M
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N
Genuinely such an underrated movie. Definetely one of the best movies i’ve seen. The story is so heartbreaking yet so beautiful in different ways, like how they all clinged onto the same hope of one day being free. How they worked together to survive through different challenges and seasons no matter how tough it got. This movie really shows that even through war there is still hope and love strong enough to overcome the impossible. The best part of it…
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B
I like it. Gorgeous cinematography.
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B
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L
Amei o filme, muito triste ver como os Judeus sofreram com a perseguição
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J
Very good
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R
Last night, in the Cineplex Robeon, I watched another movie from my “new-to-me” stack of blu-rays… director Edward Zwick’s ‘Defiance’. “Jewish brothers in German-occupied Eastern Europe escape into a Belorussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters, and endeavor to build a village, in order to protect themselves and about one thousand Jewish non-combatants.” I had never heard of this film before but I’m very familiar with Edward Zwick’s work. Some of his better films include ‘Legends Of The Fall’…
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1
movie by movie, always learning new atrocities commited by the nazis. another 10/10 resistance movie. would have been more peak and free from criticism if the directors casted the right actors/actresses for this and resist to use english. should have pure polish done by polish. valkyrie had this same criticism, resistance movies are not feel good movie, not for mere entertainment and dopamine, they are meant to be acted accordingly, daniel craig outdid himself on here, same as tom cruise…
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S
Good story and a good watch
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J
It never seems to be able to decided if it’s an emotionally-driven WW2 drama or an action-filled WW2 film. In the end, the action isn’t good enough and the drama never makes the emotional impact it needs to.
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S
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F
Defiance dares to tell a remarkable true story with emotional complexity and moral weight. Instead of focusing solely on combat, it explores the courage required to preserve life, family, and hope in the face of unimaginable evil. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell all deliver compelling performances, and the film’s portrayal of humanity and resilience leaving a lasting impact.
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J
This movie is a fantastic reminder that courage is not always about fighting but just trying to stay alive for another day. An excellent depiction of the Russians’ perspective during World War II. This movie definitely gets overlooked as one of the best war films ever. Daniel Craig was genuinely awesome in this movie and, in my opinion, gives one of the strongest performances in his career.
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D
An good ww2 movie with some good action and a fun plot
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M
Leider Juice Propaganda
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M
Watched with my husband here in Cusco, Peru 🙏🏼🥰🇵🇪 Joseph chose this on Youtube’s free films because he knows I watch a lot of WW2 films. Great film. Incredible story.
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M
“La nostra vendetta sarà vivere” BOOM Molte citazioni (le vibes da “Se non ora quando?” ci sono tutte), molti stereotipi e, mi dicono, qualche inesatezza storica, ma le scene del matrimonio-sparatoria e del salvataggio finale e, soprattutto, la colonna sonora di archi e piano, che non può mancare in un film del genere, meritano Sembra che Liev Schreiber abbia scambiato Hugh Jackman con Daniel Craig come fratello: solo io mi aspettavo che da un momento all’altro tirasse fuori gli artigli come Sabretooth?
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I
Good movie with a good plot but was not that memorable. I did enjoy this movie but probs would not rewatch.
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M
Underrated
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E
such a crazy cast n in a historical drama i cannot believe i havent heard of this movie before until it came on the tv today
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E
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T
i like history films, at times slow.
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C
Solid. Daniel Craig and Liev are a good duo. Russian winter in the wilderness sounds brutal.
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B
“What if we took the Jews, and pushed them somewhere else!”
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K
Made my girlfriend watch this w me. The fact this is a true story is insane, perfect balance of action and drama
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B
why do they speak russian with an english accent and then other times russian? incredible story, very moving
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M
Incredible true story.also just love watching nazis get waxed
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P
Decent movie, the importance of the movie stands in it’s meaning The Death-Wedding arc was an interesting part And the last fact, who the fuck plays chess when there’s – 30,40 degrees outside and your bones are freezing 😅🤦
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D
I fell asleep
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C
At one point Daniel Craig shouts and I swear I heard the Benoit Blanc accent sneak in
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T
It’s fine
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M
There’s some Soviet slander but overall it’s well done
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S
The enemy of your enemy is your friend Unless they’re a commie
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_
4 brothers vs hitler super army.
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M
Royal Pains guy really had a moment, didn’t he
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M
The Benoit Blanc accent blends in with his Russian dialect
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D
A historical account of Jewish resistors that protected dispossessed Jews and fought against the Nazis. “Our revenge is to live.”
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M
UNDERRATED!!
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T
Historical film. Great story. UPS and downs. But absolutely worth telling
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I
Daniel craig🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺we liked it but yapped the whole time
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L
I remember seeing this on DVD in college and wondering why no one was talking about it. I’m no history buff but this movie clearly rules? Picked up the blu ray when I blacked out in a Half Price Books the other day and have confirmed that this movie still rules. It’s two brothers! One is a natural leader and the other a natural soldier. And they build a community while avenging the death of their family and people. And it’s a true (sure, likely embellished) story! What’s not to dig? I simply can’t wrap my head around that 58% Rotten Tomatoes score.
5 -
T
Oh shit I forgot I’m supposed to be doing a Russian accent
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G
And defy they did Hell yes!
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A
Daniel Craig trades Bond’s tuxedo for mud, grit, and humanity. Personal Rating (7.5/10)
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V
Saber que isso tudo realmente aconteceu é de revirar o estômago.
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K
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R
Didn’t know cotton weary could act so well Also sorry for the silly review, this was actually phenomenal
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G
Great real life story. Movie was fine/meh.
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N
I know I for sure watched this in the past but couldn’t remember much about it. Then halfway through I figured out why. This is just boring. I get that it’s a true story and the people deserve recognition but to make a full length movie about this is too much. They were Jewish and had to flee, they went to the forest, it sucked in the forest, they occasionally shot at some people, then at the VERY end, they go back to the forest for 2 years. It’s just people living in a forest: the movie. I’m mad I’ve now seen this twice.
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X
Extraordinary perspective on WWII that you don’t usually see in war movies
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K
This is my kind of movie. True story that deserves to be told.
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M
Starts off strong enough but devolves into a predictable slog of simplistic tropes and on the nose dialogue.
1 -
K
my boyfriend’s attempt at getting me to watch more war movies by saying there’s a love story.
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R
Great film as to be expected from the goat. The only mishap I had with it was that it was too long. However the ending made it worth it
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E
Jamie Bell new fine shyt unlocked
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D
Baranovichy mentioned 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
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D
Mostly just people with generic Slavic-sounding accents arguing in a wood. Also almost an And Introducing George MacKay, but he was in a few other films before this.
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M
I never really care for Ed Zwick movies, they all tend to get lost to their own sense of self importance. This one is no different, cheesy souless telling of a pretty incredible event.
2 -
N
Defiance tells the truly remarkable story of the Bielski brothers and how they saved around 1,200 people from the Nazi’s. Their achievement is very similar to that of Oscar Schindler and on paper it might sound like it would make a better film as there is more of a variety of struggles they had to endure. Edward Zwick is certainly no Steven Spielberg though and the film never hits anywhere near as hard as Schindler’s List, we still feel for…
2 -
L
I spent a decent chunk of this film thinking that Sam Spruell looks the the spitting image of the kid from Come and See all grown up
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K
Tuvia tha goat
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M
I thought It was good acting from Daniel craig again action film little bit top emotional and although some shots were nicely filmed something didn’t quite sit right with me maybe the pacing that it didn’t build to battle and went right in I loved the conversations between the intellectuals about philosophers. I think there is some major editing problems and story problems authentication is alright but on some accounts there are less accurate bits I liked the idea but…
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N
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A
If I wasn’t at work, I would’ve cried. This movie is phenomenal. Would recommend to everyone in the world except for Nazis
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T
Touching
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C
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D
holds up
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J
Daniel Craig with some solid Russian and acting Great film
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C
😨
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L
bielski brothers are GJBs
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L
Bit long, but a good story, including the typical inspiration of humanity in the face of facism
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M
Pros -The basic story Cons -The accents are awful. As much as I like Daniel Craig, he and his fellow co-stars shouldn’t have been cast. -Everyone looks to clean. -Its far too long. -The story hasn’t been thought out well enough. It could’ve been told a lot better Conclusion A story that should be told but feels like a wasted opportunity.
1 -
Y
Daniel Craig 2000s double feature. Feeling of oscar bait by the second act. still good. 1/2 of daniel craig films where he kills nazis.
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Q
Balright
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R
Based on a true story in WW 2 of two brothers.
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C
83/100
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L
Defiance was a pretty entertaining film if you are in the mood to see people kill Nazis. Also, everyone in is very hot.
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P
THE WILDER WOOD Defiance (2008, US, Color, 137 min) – – 14 June 2009 Recommended. Two things about Defiance appealed to me. First, I am weary of the simplistic depiction of The Holocaust as that . . . an inconceivable firestorm engulfing a hapless people. While this implausibility was clearly part of its success, some Jews knew what was happening and did what was required to survive. This is the story director Edward Zwick successfully tells. The other thing I…
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- Synopsis
- Based on a true story, during World War II, four Jewish brothers escape their Nazi-occupied homeland of West Belarus in Poland and join the Soviet partisans to combat the Nazis. The brothers begin the rescue of roughly 1,200 Jews still trapped in the ghettos of Poland.
- Director
- Edward Zwick
- Writer
- Clayton Frohman, Edward Zwick
- Studio
- Paramount Vantage, Grosvenor Park Productions, Defiance Productions, Pistachio Pictures
- Country
- USA
- Language
- English, German, Russian
- Year
- 2008
- Runtime
- 137 mins
- USA31 Dec 2008
- Netherlands08 Jan 2009
- UK09 Jan 2009
- France14 Jan 2009
- Italy23 Jan 2009
- Japan14 Feb 2009
- Estonia27 Feb 2009
- Norway03 Apr 2009
- Germany22 Apr 2009
- Australia19 Sep 2009
- Ireland09 Jan 2009
- Switzerland26 Feb 2009
- Austria24 Apr 2009
- Netherlands21 Aug 2009
- Netherlands26 Aug 2009
- Netherlands21 Apr 2011
- Philippines26 Jul 2015
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