Monday's Movie-Defiance

A Novel Menagerie asks us to post about a movie that you watched the week before. We usually watch quite a few movies over the weekend and it is sometimes difficult to only discuss one.

Defiance is the movie that we watched this weekend that I wanted to share with you all.

Here are the details from the film:

Starring: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell

Genre: War,Drama

Runtime: 2 hrs, 16 mn

MPAA Rating: R

Here is a synopsis of the film from the MSN Movie website:

Inspired by a true story, director Edward Zwick's epic World War II drama Defiance tells the tale of three Jewish Eastern European brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, and Jamie Bell) who narrowly escape certain death at the hands of the Nazis, subsequently vowing to avenge the deaths of their loves ones by launching a desperate battle against the forces that seek to exterminate their entire race. The year is 1941, and the setting is Nazi-occupied Poland. The Final Solution is in full effect, and the Jews of Eastern Europe are being slaughtered wholesale. Tuvia (Craig), Zus (Schreiber), and Asael (Bell) have miraculously managed to escape into the dense surrounding forest. Having played in these woods since childhood, the brothers have a distinct advantage over their adversaries, and soon decide that simply surviving is not enough. In order to make a difference, they must take action, but in order to take action they will need support. As whispers of their bravery take wind, others like them appear determined to lay their lives on the line for the cause of freedom. Tuvia has become the de facto leader of the group, but he's still somewhat reluctant to take on such a heavy responsibility and his brother Zus expresses concern that his idealistic plan will ultimately bring about the group's downfall. With winter setting in, everyone works to create a functioning community that will help them endure the frigid months that lie ahead, and Asael reluctantly finds himself caught in the crossfire of his older siblings' rivalry. Is it possible to keep faith alive in a time when the world seems devoid of humanity and survival becomes a way of life? ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

My Movie Thoughts:

I have always loved books from this theme and time period, so movies like this one are usually right up my alley. I remember hearing stories of how some people had hid in the woods, but it was very interesting to see how this actually came about. As the movie began three Jewish brothers decided to take their close friends and family into hiding in the forest. They figured that since they knew the forest like the backs of their hands they would have a very good chance of survival. Before they know it, several others are seeking their protection and it grows from just being a few people to the size of a village. Everyone works together, sharing tasks and chores, but when winter sets in food becomes scarce, and illness finds its way to their community. You can see the disputes and power struggles emerge as they become confined after such a long period of time, but they are able to keep their priorities in order and do what is in the best interest of all to survive. This was actually based on a true story and they survived like this for about two years. I really loved this movie and think that it was very historically informative, so I am going to rate this one 5 out of 5 bags of popcorn.