Defiance

I have always been a very big fan of director Edward Zwick. Within the past 3 decades he has managed to dabble in many different genres in both film and television as a director, producer, and writer. His characters are fraught with genuine emotion that sits so heavily upon the viewer that in my experience, it is difficult not to be engaged on multiple levels. His style of storytelling for the big screen is often epic and deals with interesting and complicated relationships between friends and family during difficult times. Defiance is certainly not any different.

Set during WWII in Eastern Poland (now Belarus), Defiance tells the true story of 4 Jewish brothers who helped to provide shelter and protection for many Jewish escapees. Obviously being a film set during wartime it is often difficult to watch as we see the worst of humanity personified again and again. But at its core, Defiance focuses on family and all of mankind by examining the bonds that tie us all together.

There are some controversies surrounding the film largely due to the historical nature of the tale. As with all stories based on real events, what we see or read is rarely the full extent of what actually happened and in many instances our protagonists are seen in a better light than perhaps they actually were. But these voices of dissent shouldn't deter anyone from appreciating the enormity of the story.

The cinematography was lovely and the soundtrack haunting. All actors involved were incredibly solid. I believed every interaction and felt the aching in their eyes as difficult moments would come to pass. My only complaint would be that it felt a little long in a couple sections. Overall though, it's fine filmmaking and a heroic tale well worth your time.