Defiance (2008)

Content by Tony Macklin. Originally published on January 5, 2009 @ tonymacklin.net.

Defiance runs for 137 minutes, but that doesn't make it an epic. It just makes it long.

Near the beginning, we are informed on screen that Defiance is "a true story." It may be a true story, but it is not truly told.

In his best work (Glory, 1998), director Edward Zwick keeps his Hollywood impulses under control. But usually he tends to like the big effect over the real effect. (Also, remember Zwick produced I Am Sam, 2001). In Defiance, Zwick gives in to the big synthetic effect.

Defiance is a story that yearns for authenticity, and it begins and ends with authentic footage (Hitler and the actual Bielski Brothers), but in between a Hollywood sensibility rules.

At the climax the cavalry arrives, reminiscent of an old Saturday matinee serial. And the relationships are ponderous.

Defiance is the story of three brothers who escape from Nazi occupation into a Belorussian forest during World War II.

The brothers have to shepherd multitudes of Jews who are desperately fleeing for their lives and who join them in the forest.

They set up a commune which undergoes severe strife and hardship and the threat of the Nazis. It is a constant struggle.

The fabled Bielski brothers are played by gifted actors Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell.

Despite their determined efforts, the actors can't lift the movie out of its rut.

Defiance sputters and slogs.