Daniel Craig's 'excellent' war film has quietly become a Netflix hit
Netflix has added the acclaimed wartime saga Defiance to its library, starring none other than Daniel Craig alongside Liev Schreiber.
This gripping tale, based on the 2008 historical drama, has garnered a loyal set of fans over time, with new viewers hailing it as "one of the best films ever."
Defiance chronicles the incredible story of the Bielski brothers — Tuvia, Zus, Asael, and Aron — four Jewish siblings who led a rebellion against the Nazis by setting up a guerrilla base in the Belarusian woods.
The film paints a cinematic portrait of their daring mission to provide a safe haven for over 1,200 Jews, essentially crafting a village in the forest while living under the constant menace of Nazi discovery.
Taking the lead as Tuvia, the oldest of the Bielski brothers, is Daniel Craig, with Liev Schreiber portraying the fiery resistance fighter Zus, Jamie Bell as middle brother Asael, and George MacKay, famed for his role in 1917, playing the youngest sibling Aron, reports the Express.
Edward Zwick, known for his work on The Last Samurai and Blood Diamond, directed Defiance, which debuted just in time to be in contention for awards season at the end of 2008, earning itself an Oscar nod for Best Original Score for composer James Newton Howard, with a Golden Globe nomination to boot.
Shot in Lithuania, a mere 200 kilometres from where the real events occurred, the film crew tapped into natural forest settings and even recruited locals with ancestral ties to the Jewish people saved by the Bielskis for Defiance.
Although its initial run in a limited number of cinemas was modest, Defiance picked up pace during its general release, raking in $52 million globally. The critical consensus was lukewarm; however, viewers have gradually come to celebrate the movie over the years.
A Letterboxd user gave a glowing five-star review stating: "Must watch 10/10. Whenever you have Daniel Craig (Bond) and Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) play two Nazi-hunting Jews navigating a group of a thousand displaced Belorussian Jews through the Yarden forest, facing the ultimate adversity - you have me sold".
Meanwhile, another said: "Action-packed, great quotes, accurate, and a thrill ride from start to finish. You'll be rethinking how powerful a sense of community is. (People forget!)".
The film, which now available to stream on Netflix, has garnered acclaim for its emotional depth, adeptly juggling the epic tale of survival with poignant moments of personal struggle. It delves into the complexities of leadership when faced with harrowing odds, especially as the ensemble grows from a few combatants to a congregation exceeding a thousand.
One viewer shared their thoughts, saying: "For me, one of the best films ever. So inspiring and tragic at the same time. Worth watching."
Meanwhile, another viewer was puzzled by the lack of widespread acclaim, commenting "I still find it crazy that this film is not considered a modern classic, with its stunning cinematography, fantastic performances, and gripping story".
You can now stream Defiance on Netflix.
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