Movie Review: DEFIANCE (2008)

Daniel Craig is a character actor- he brings emotional depth to any role whether it is James Bond or Tuvia Bielski (in his latest film DEFIANCE). DEFIANCE is based on a true story about the Bielski brothers who hide up to 1200 Jews in the Belorussian Forrest during World War 2. The film focuses on the struggles the brothers had and the film they helped protect. They had to deal with the invading Germans (intent on killing all Jews they found), hunger, disease, and even problems with each other. It is nice to see one of my favorite hottie actresses Alexa Davalos in another film (the last time I saw her was in THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK). DEFIANCE has some fantastic photography and sometimes it plays like a thriller as the Bielskis must move the Jews at times when their camp is discovered. Even a wedding is intercut with an ambush on a German convoy. THe film works best when it focuses on the characters and not trying to be a thriller or have a Hollywood ending. Still DEFIANCE is a better World War 2 film than VALKYRIE (Sorry, Tom Cruise). The Bielskis never asked to be recognized for the lives they saved, but this film helps make sure their story is never forgotten.