Defiance (Blu-Ray)

Reviewed by:
Eric Alt

The Skinny: Based on a true story, Defiance dramatizes the life of the Bielksi brothers—farmers in Nazi-occupied Poland who end up forming a woodland shelter for Jewish refugees during World War II. Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber star.

The Good: Defiance is a thoroughly well-crafted film from top to bottom. Written and directed by Ed Zwick (who did The Last Samurai), it has the suitably austere feel of a serious story about serious issues during history's most serious time. Craig and Schreiber are both superb, as well. On Blu-Ray, the dank, often snow-covered, forest refugee camp is vivid.

The Bad: The movie is good, but not great. We hate to say it, but we've been feeling a little overdosed on WWII lately, and there's nothing especially remarkable about Defiance to push those feelings to the periphery.

Best Extra: "Children of the Otriad" features interviews descendants of the Bielksi family, and it's an engrossing and emotional piece.

Buy, Rent, or Ignore: This is a good rental.

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