Movie Review: Defiance

To be honest, retelling the stories of the holocaust is a very worthwhile endeavor.

Genocide continues to exist today, and we as a civil society cannot remind ourselves enough of what a crime it is. While many movies have been made over the past 60 years dealing with the ?Nazi-led holocaust, there is still room for one more. There is always another dramatic story waiting to be told. Such is the case with Defiance.

To be honest, this movie does not break any new ground in terms of acting, twists and turns, or score. What really makes it worth watching and compelling is the fact that it is true, or at least derived from true events and major themes. It is shot almost exclusively outdoors, which is refreshing, and the scenery beautiful. Many marginally-known actors are employed, and some that you have never seen before give the best performances. While there are two main characters, it is the many sub-plots and lesser character interaction that gives the movie its best dose of humanity and believability.

Daniel Craig jumps in and out of a Bond-esque character, but overall he comes across as determined yet compassionate. His difficulties with his rival brother are overly contrived and an over-used convention that Hollywood can't give up. His character does evolve in the course of the movie, but does so rather early in, and then levels out. The nature and trials of the Jewish people is represented in usual fashions, however, one particular scene with a Rabbi is moving and thought provoking.

Is it an action movie? Yes, but not as much as you might be led to think by the trailers. Is it a character-driven, emotive film? To a degree, so long as you don't compare it to Shindlers List. Does it tell a compelling story? Absolutely. If you enjoy seeing a story where people overcome great odds, fight for their right to exist, and band together for strength, then you will find this movie a treat.