Defiance (R, 2008)
common sense media says
Brave brothers risk all in brutal, graphic WWII epic.
parents & educators say
- 75% say violence is an issue
- 75% say language is an issue
What parents need to know
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.
Positive role models:
Most of the characters aren't clearly "good" or "bad." For instance, Russian soldiers are shown to be heroic but also anti-Semitic. And the
Jewish victims who fight back are shown to be both honorable and
selfish, just and unjust.
Jewish victims who fight back are shown to be both honorable and
selfish, just and unjust.
Violence:
Violent battle scenes from beginning to end. Piles of naked bodies lie in a dry river bed; babies and children are wrenched from parents' arms and slaughtered; bombs are dropped on fleeing victims. There are many instances of cold-blooded, point-blank shooting, including the execution of entire families. There are also vicious fist fights, stabbings, and a lengthy scene in which an angry mob beats and stomps a Nazi soldier to death.
Sex:
A man's hand touches a woman's breast over her clothes. Several passionate kisses. One couple is shown embracing, with their bare shoulders visible above blankets to indicate a post-sexual moment.
Language:
Harsh swearing throughout, including all forms of "f--k" and many instances of "s--t," "bitch, " and "hell."
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Multiple scenes of Russian soldiers, victims, survivors, and partisans drinking vodka. One leading character drinks heavily. Several scenes in which men drink until they become very drunk. Camaraderie inspired by drunkenness appears to be the only form of recreation available to these people who are hiding out for years.
More on Defiance
Review It
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
- 75% say violence is an issue
- 75% say language is an issue
Most useful reviews by all members
CaptainFilmz7
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
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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rocker1701
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
It's okay for kids that don't get scared of guns and fighting.
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+
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emmalea
parent of and 9 , 9 , 14 year old
parent of and 9 , 9 , 14 year old
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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kid, 12 years old
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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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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kid, 11 years old
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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JaneEyre<3
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
You should WATCH IT!!
I am 13, and it is pretty much my favorite movie of ALL TIME!!
It is rated R,though because of language and violence.
we had to skip 2 short scenes. I love Daniel Craig in this role, and Liev Schrieber, and of course, Jamie Bell!!
There were some really sweet parts of them together,
and what makes it 10 times better, it's a true story.
But, if you don't like guns and violence,don't watch it.
It was hideous what the Germans did to the Jews......
:(
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DP
parent of 6 and 10 year old
parent of 6 and 10 year old
Good one!
Really liked it! Absolutely recommend it! "Zus" did a wonderful job, especially speaking Russian. Very believable... Good one!
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Curcismith123
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Awesome
Very well done film. I love how the jews stood up for themselves. Violence: A young man is shot. As he crawls away he is shot again. An elderly man is shot by a man with a rifle at point blank range. A crew of nazis are massacred. One is stabbed in the leg and then the chest. The rest are gunned down. A car approaches some people and guns a few of them down. Two battle scenes. Not too much blood or gore but all the violence is in full view. Also, two teenage boys and a man are shot. (blood sprays)
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dawtpbwv
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Defiance - Schindler's List 2
Defiance had a plot but just doesn't reach greatness with it. It plays the same card and is easily predictable. It felt like an altered version of Schindler's List. There's violence that a 11 year old can manage and the same goes for language: not much
There are movie mistakes and good scenes. But all in all: It lifts off, doesn't crash and burn but doesn't reach the moon or anything close to it.
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moviemadness
adult
adult
Iffy Story Caputres Real-Life Struggle
Defiance is a tough movie to rate. On the one hand, the classic good vs. evil story has lots of heroic moments and realistic struggles, and on the other it is a bit trite, overdone, and blandly acted. Combine the already average plot with gratuitous violence and you have a film that's not ok for most teens. Certainly not for anyone younger. The valiant struggle of the underdogs (the brothers were disrespected as scrappy rednecks by their neighbors) who unite to protect their friends and even strangers is inspiring. Defiance is based on real-life events, so it can serve as an interesting look at the flawed realities of a glorified struggle. The Bielsky brothers and their band were brave and heroic, but deeply flawed and vicious. Viewers will be left impressed, but not floored.
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mich3g
parent of and 4 , 12 , 15 year old
parent of and 4 , 12 , 15 year old
Not for anyone under 18 or thoses who are faint of heart.
This movie is about the holocaust and it depicts it in a very realistic way. I do not reccomend it for anyone under 18 or anyone of the fait at heart. It is very intense.
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Sanjay407
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Read
Rated R: Strong Violence, Very Mild Sexuality, Strong Language, and Drinking
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Jeffrey9789
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
This is one of the best history movies I ve seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This movie is good. I liked how it is about world war 2. This movie kept my intrest from begining to end. also I loved how its based on a true story. buy it at walmart for $5.00 on DVD.
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