Defiance (2009)

Cast and Crew

Director

Producer

Screenwriter

Starring

• Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielski
• Liev Schreiber as Zus Bielski
• Jamie Bell as Asael Bielski
• Alexa Davalos as Lilka Ticktin
• George MacKay
• Tomas Arana
• Mark Feuerstein as Isaac Malbin

Movie Story

Based on an extraordinary true story, "Defiance" is an epic tale of family, honor, vengeance and salvation in World War II. The year is 1941 and the Jews of Eastern Europe are being massacred by the thousands. Managing to escape certain death, three brothers take refuge in the dense surrounding woods they have known since childhood. There they begin their desperate battle against the Nazis. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell star as brothers who turn a primitive struggle to survive into something far more consequential - a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones by saving thousands of others.

At first it is all they can do to stay alive. But gradually, as whispers of their daring spreads, they begin to attract others - men and women, young and old - willing to risk everything for the sake of even a moment's freedom. Tuvia (Craig) is a reluctant leader and his decisions are challenged by his brother, Zus (Schreiber) who worries that Tuvia's idealistic plans will doom them all. Asael (Bell) is the youngest - caught between his brothers' fierce rivalry. As a brutal winter descends, they work to create a community, and to keep faith alive when all humanity appeared to be lost.

"Defiance" is directed by Edward Zwick ("Blood Diamond," "Glory") from a screenplay by Zwick and Clayton Frohman, based on Nechama Tec's non-fiction book of the same name. The producers are Zwick and Pieter Jan Brugge. The team recreating the forest haven includes two-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Eduardo Serra ("Blood Diamond," "Girl with a Pearl Earring"), production designer Dan Weil ("Blood Diamond," "The Bourne Identity") and Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan ("Gosford Park," "A Room with a View").

Watch Video (3 videos)

UK Trailer

Trailer

Movie Stills (37 photos)

Reader's Reviews

my favorite film

posted by danny on Nov 20, 2009 10:16:35

This is a powerful and very moving film. I'm grateful this story was not lost to history.

posted by Caryl on Oct 19, 2009 08:54:39

LKhyjj

posted by Xcgsudyc on Jul 15, 2009 06:19:17

GFrsmW

posted by Spmmzguk on Jul 13, 2009 05:34:16

Cast were brilliant!!!

posted by Nicky on Mar 08, 2009 01:29:25

This was really one of the best films I have seen in a very long time. Has you completely drawn in, heart pounding til the last second. Just a wonderful film with wonderful acting, and it doesn't hurt the Liev and Daniel are ridiculously good looking. Must see!!! .. many times!

posted by LindsayV on Feb 19, 2009 10:27:29

Really great. reminds me of the village (even better)

posted by tsr on Feb 07, 2009 01:49:52

goooooooooooooood

posted by royan on Nov 24, 2008 12:47:49