BBC viewers can now watch an ‘epic’ war drama inspired by a remarkable true story completely free of charge.
First hitting cinemas in 2008, Defiance has been included in the regularly updated catalogue on BBC iPlayer.
The title is amongst several additions to the platform marking the recent Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27).
Set during Nazi Germany’s occupation of Belarus in 1941, when Eastern European Jews faced mass extermination, the film chronicles three brothers – Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber) and Asael (Jamie Bell) – who successfully flee and seek shelter in the woodland where they spent their childhood years.
Determined to exact revenge for their murdered relatives, the siblings transform their daily fight for existence into active resistance against the Nazis.
As word of their actions circulates, additional survivors rally to their cause, prepared to sacrifice their lives for even fleeting moments of liberty.
Former 007 star Daniel Craig, ex-X-Men actor Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell, famous for his portrayal of Billy Elliott, all feature as the brothers, , reports the Mirror.
The production draws from the non-fiction work Defiance: The Bielski Partisans, released in 1993 by author Nechama Tec, which documents the authentic account of the namesake resistance group commanded by Belarusian Jewish siblings who genuinely rescued and enlisted Jews in Belarus throughout World War II.
The book’s author did express reservations regarding the film’s historical accuracy and its employment of artistic freedom. Nevertheless, following repeated viewings, she admitted to appreciating it ‘more and more’.
Whilst it failed to win over critics entirely, the film secured an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score. It holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 58%, yet its audience rating stands at 72%, with viewers continuing to champion it as essential viewing years after its cinema debut.
One reviewer, offering their perspective, declared: “For me, one of the best films ever. So inspiring and tragic at the same time. Worth watching.”
Another plainly stated: “An absolutely amazing war film.”
Meanwhile, one viewer questioned why it hasn’t achieved comparable status alongside other productions such as Saving Private Ryan, remarking: “I still find it crazy that this film is not considered a modern classic, with its stunning cinematography, fantastic performances, and gripping story.”
Another fan wrote: “An epic war movie. It really went under the radar. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell were amazing as brothers trying to survive the holocaust. It was an interesting movie based on true events. Those were scary times. The attention to detail was amazing. The accents were a bit iffy but I still enjoyed it.”
One audience member observed: “Powerful movie. I cant believe it was based on a true story.”
Numerous others maintain that it showcases Daniel Craig’s ‘best performance’ and the picture remains ‘underrated and overlooked’.
Defiance is streaming on BBC iPlayer.