The 2008 film, featuring Daniel Craig, is only available to watch on Netflix until the following week and is just one of the many war films on the streaming platform, with one animated movie being hailed as the ‘most important’. Defiance tells the story of the four Bielski brothers Tuvia, Zus, Asael and Aron, who escape to the forest after their parents are murdered. The brothers come across other Jewish fugitives hiding in the woods and they offer them shelter.
As the year progresses, more refugees join the brothers in the forest. They raid local farms and villages for food and supplies, constantly relocating their camp when they’re on the verge of being found. Moreover, they grapple with starvation, illness and rising discontent as conflict emerges and rules are imposed, reports the Mirror.
Group leader Tuvia insists everyone must contribute to help the community survive and pregnancies are prohibited.
Eventually, when they learn that the Germans are planning to attack the camp, they are compelled to confront the enemy.
Defiance is adapted from the 1993 book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans, which is a narrative of the real-life brothers.
Joining Daniel in the film are Live Schreiber, Jamie Bell, George MacKay and Mia Wasikowska.
Despite the film having a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 58%, fans have expressed that they found the movie to be ‘well made’ and ‘mind-blowing’.
One viewer shared: “I love this movie, strong and heart-warming movie MUST SEE. I also love the characters, the history of these events that are told they are true – makes it mind-blowing!”
Another added: “A WWII story, well portrayed by actors which keeps the viewers interest,” while someone else simply said: “Outstanding! A Must watch!”
A fourth viewer shared: “Based on a true story, of which I’d read about before. Probably quite a bit of artistic licence, but still a very decent film. Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber put in solid performances. I knew it had a ‘happy ending’, but still had me gripped throughout.”
Another continued: “While not the best war movie it’s historical significance cannot be measured. This movie is a must see. Craig and the other actors were excellent.”
Another viewer reviewed: “Incredible movie that depicts how after WWII three men took it upon themselves to protect jews leading them to build a strong community and fight back under attack.
“Daniel Craig plays a tough yet sensitive character and takes us on an emotional historical journey. Great film based on a true story.”
Regrettably, fans have mere days remaining to catch the film before it departs Netflix on September 14.