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Defiance

(2008, Rated R, Drama, Starring Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brave brothers risk all in brutal, graphic WWII epic.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Classic good-versus-evil situations. Bravery and selflessness are shown to be powerful forces against the enemy. Meanwhile, the Nazis wreak havoc on the Polish Jews -- rounding them up, killing them, bombing them, and spraying bullets into large groups of people (including women and children).
  • 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.
  • 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 an issue.
  • 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Defiance

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    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.

    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+

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0
    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!)

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • 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.

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    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!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    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.

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 8 and give it 3.0

    This movie was okay.

    I am not a big fan of this movie. It was okay. It was not that good. I like the actor, but I do not like the character that he played. I think they should have filmed the movie in Saskatchewan because that would have highlighted the conflict between the farmers and the city folk.I am not a big fan of this movie. It was okay. It was not that good. I like the actor, but I do not like the character that he played. I think they should have filmed the movie in Saskatchewan because that would have highlighted the conflict between the farmers and the city folk.

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