 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Defiance
- Review Date: December 27, 2008
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Brave brothers risk all in brutal, graphic WWII epic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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.
What 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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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
January 17, 2009
AGE
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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AGE
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
January 17, 2009
AGE
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, 12 years old
August 6, 2011
AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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| Studio: | Paramount Vantage |
| Director: | Edward Zwick |
| Cast: | Daniel Craig, Jamie Bell, Liev Schreiber |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 137 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 31, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | June 1, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and language |
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