Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell star in Defiance (Image: undefined)
A war film hailed as ‘exceptional’ by audiences chronicles the tale of three Jewish brothers evading the Nazis, and it’s screening on BBC4 this evening.
The picture boasts a stellar Hollywood ensemble featuring Daniel Craig, Tuvia Bielski, Liev Schreiber, Zus Bielski, Jamie Bell, Asael Bielski, Alexa Davalos, Lilka Ticktin, Allan Corduner and Shimon Haretz.
Defiance, which hit cinemas in 2008, transports audiences to 1941 when Nazi forces are massacring Eastern European Jews in their thousands.
Three siblings, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber) and Asael (Jamie Bell), succeed in fleeing and seek sanctuary in the woodland where they once played as children.
Determined to exact revenge for their murdered loved ones, the brothers transform their daily fight for survival into warfare against the Nazis.
Daniel Craig also has a role in the film (Image: undefined)
As word of their resistance spreads, others rally to their cause, prepared to risk everything for even fleeting liberty during war’s bleakest period.
The picture draws from the real-life account of the Bielski brothers, Belarusian Jews who founded a partisan encampment in 1941, rescuing over 1,200 Jewish lives, reports the Mirror.
Their remarkable efforts were documented in Nechama Tec’s book sharing the same title, and the narrative has been described by numerous viewers as ‘heartwarming’ and ‘exceptional’.
The production also garnered multiple award recognition, including an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score featuring music by James Newton Howard.
Defiance is based on a true story (Image: undefined)
Despite failing to secure major accolades, audiences have nonetheless lauded the film on movie review platform Rotten Tomatoes.
One glowing review said: “I totally enjoyed it and liked the acting and storyline. Liev Schreiber and Daniel Craig were both exceptional. It’s absolutely worth your time.”
Another added: “I loved this movie, strong and heart-warming movie MUST SEE I also love the characters, the history of these events that are told they are true makes it mind-blowing! !”.
“A WWII story, well portrayed by actors which keeps the viewers interest. Being a true war survivalist,” remarked a third.
Another wrote: “While not the best war movie it’s historical significance cannot be measured. This movie is a must see. Craig and the other actors were excellent. Very moving and a great reminder of why persecution and war are no bueno.”
A fifth said: “This is a great true story film about Jewish people hiding and fighting against the Germans in a forest. They create a community and survive on whatever they can eat and build shelters against the harsh winter. The acting is great, the scenery is great and It was gripping and moving. Great film if your into WW2.”
One simply added: “Outstanding! ! A must watch!” Whilst another contributed: “Pretty solid and gripping movie about a resistance group that saved hundreds of Jews during WWII.”
Defiance airs on Thursday 29 January on BBC4 at 11.10pm.