Saturday 22 June 2013

FILM: Defiance (6/10)

Why did I watch it?
I recorded this film so long ago I can't remember what appealed to me. I generally like war films and this looked like a bleak survival tale set during World War II. Or maybe it was just the Bond factor.

What's it all about?
Defiance is an adaptation of the book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans and tells of the exploits of the Bielski brothers,  Belarusian Jews who led a stand against the occupying Nazi force during WWII. Daniel Craig stars as the eldest,Tuvia, Liev Schreiber as hot-headed Zus and Jamie Bell as the younger Asael.

Should you watch it?
I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again. Defiance is a fairly run of the mill film that, considering the subject matter, is not as inspiring or emotionally intense as it could have been. The plot just seems to move along without being able to grab you and pull you in to the plight of the Bielski group, despite the deaths and suffering of it's members. Also, the plot doesn't really feature any twists, none in fact, so any increase in excitement or suspense is really limited.

The acting scores a plus for the film, if you are prepared to accept some fluctuating Eastern European accents. All three leads turn in good performances but the supporting cast of Alexa Davalos and Allan Corduner are more than worthy of equal mention.

A well made and acted film that surprisingly lacks in genuine drama and emotion.

  


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