I absolutely LOVE this movie!!! it's great! Not a lot of gore... only bloody faces and stuff. Nothing compared to Saving Private Ryan. Their was about 8 F words (some in subtitles). The characters drink a ton of Vodka. My favorite character is Zus he's can be funny sometimes. Pretty much OK for kids 12+
Defiance
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Brave brothers risk all in brutal, graphic WWII epic.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16–18
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of Defiance was written by Renee Schonfeld
Parents need to know that this war movie isn't for kids. There are many fierce battles and violently graphic killings, as well as executions of unarmed citizens. Other images include hand-to-hand combat, mob beatings, point-blank shootings, and barbaric, inhumane treatment of the Jewish population. The language is very strong as well, with lots of harsh swearing. There's some suggested sexuality, but nothing explicit and no nudity. Soldiers and resistance members drink vodka in many scenes, sometimes to excess. But if they can handle the intense content, this movie could offer mature teens and young adults a valuable look at a momentous period of recent world history and a vivid example of heroism -- as well as power and prejudice run amok.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about why so many movies about World War II and the Holocaust are still being made so long after the events occurred. What connection do stories about these events have with today's world?
- Are there still instances in which strong beliefs set people apart and against one another? How do you think the media will end up treating current conflicts further down the line?
- Why do you think the Bielski brothers were heroic? What made them different from the people who were afraid to stand up for themselves?
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More on Defiance
What’s the Story?
At the height of the Nazi occupation of Poland, three Jewish brothers find their family slaughtered and other Jews being rounded up in the countryside -- with mass killings or extermination camps their sure fate. The brothers escape into the dense Belarussian forest; on the way, eldest brother Tuvia Bielski (Daniel Craig) comes to the rescue of a small group of terrified Jews on the run. The refugees follow the brothers into the forest, against the better judgment of volatile middle brother Zus (Liev Schreiber), who's certain that their presence will make them all more vulnerable. With Tuvia's help, more and more displaced Jews find their way to the constantly moving Bielski encampment, and a fragile community is established. Some of the able-bodied join forces with the Russian resistance, while others remain with Tuvia, fighting the Nazis and disrupting their brutal purpose. Lives are lost; relationships are built; bravery and sacrifice are rewarded.
Is It Any Good?
Edward Zwick wants to make passionate movies. DEFIANCE is no exception. The story of a Jewish arm of the Resistance hasn't been told before, not like this. The film is exciting, shot with skill and a singular ability to show the harrowing savagery and heroic behavior that lived and breathed in the early 1940s.
Defiance is less successful when it zeroes in on the stories of the individual people who make up the refugee community. Then the filmmakers rely on certain stereotypes: the intellectual chess players, the leering hothead, the sibling rivalry. Still, it's well worth seeing, if only as an important reminder of where the world has been and how much care must be taken never to return there.
Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Vantage, Director: Edward Zwick
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/31/2008, DVD release: 6/1/2009
MPAA Rating: R for violence and language
Run time: 137 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/31/2008, DVD release: 6/1/2009
MPAA Rating: R for violence and language
Our Members Say
See 6 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
It's okay for kids that don't get scared of guns and fighting.
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Good Movie!
This was a good movie. We found it to be graphic and violent, but it also showed the reality of Jewish persecution. You need to use your common sense and decide if it is appropriate for your child's maturity. It can provide an opportunity for discussing drinking and use of foul language as well as a history lesson. (For us homeschool families!)
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
An Absolute Perfect WWII Movie!
In a world where Nazi Germany is slowly taking over, and Jews are rapidly being killed, there's gotta be someone who's willing to rebel! This movie was a fantastic re-enactment of a true and inspiring story. Daniel Craig plays the role of a Polish Jew who's almost entire family is slaughtered by the Nazis. He and his three brothers form a rebel group that fights back against the Nazi reign. Very good and realistic movie, and is a great movie for all who find an interest in WWII, and do not know much about the Polish rebels. Much better movie than Valkryie, and it receives a 5 out of 5.
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Good one!
Really liked it! Absolutely recommend it! "Zus" did a wonderful job, especially speaking Russian. Very believable... Good one!
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Very good movie
My 15 year old son and I saw the movie together last night. We both enjoyed the movie. He had read the book and found the movie had some story line differences which did not significantly change the real story. I thought the director and actors did an excellent job of telling the story - I could almost feel the extreme cold and hunger suffered by the community.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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