DEFIANCE

Photos courtesy of Paramount Vantage Four brothers attempt to survive, and salvage their Jewish countrymen’s lives from Nazi Germany in the action-drama, DEFIANCE.

Tuvia, Zus, Ariel and Aron Bieleski fled their home in Poland following the murder of their parents by the Nazis. The Bieleskis fled to nearby forests where they hid from German forces, and as time passed, so did word that the family found comfort in the remote location. Several Jews latched on to the Bieleskis’ movement, and as word continued to spread, more and more members of the Jewish community joined the Bieleskis faction.

DEFIANCE tells a story rarely told, and at the same time, one which seems strikingly important. I can’t recall a World War II or Holocaust film detailing the Jewish community’s fight against the Nazi occupation. Most of these films relive the horror, but DEFIANCE celebrates a small faction of the Jewish community who fought back by living on their own terms, and defending themselves when push came to shove.

This small, but poignant story would seem to be enough, but it isn’t, as the story’s arch seems oddly flat for a film of its kind. The struggle waged by the Bieleski brothers begins at the film’s outset and continues in like manner to the film’s final frame. There are highs and lows in their forest encounters, but ones that surprisingly have little emotional impact.

Much of the film’s focus is placed on the execution of the brothers’ plan and the community built around the movement, instead of individual stories and efforts. Director Edward Zwick finds small stories within historical accounts, and weaves them into successful human triumphs from films like BLOOD DIAMOND to COURAGE UNDER FIRE. DEFIANCE is a film in this same vein, but Zwick may have become more enamored with the specifics of history rather than the personal achievements.

DEFIANCE feels and looks authentic, but lacks a necessary emotional pull for this important slice of history.

Grade: C