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Based on an
extraordinary true story, "Defiance" is an epic tale of
family, honor, vengeance and salvation in World War II. The
year is 1941 and the Jews of Eastern Europe are being
massacred by the thousands. Managing to escape certain
death, three brothers take refuge in the dense surrounding
woods they have known since childhood. There they begin
their desperate battle against the Nazis. Daniel Craig, Liev
Schreiber and Jamie Bell star as brothers who turn a
primitive struggle to survive into something far more
consequential – a way to avenge the deaths of their loved
ones by saving thousands of others.
At first it is all they can do to stay alive. But gradually,
as whispers of their daring spreads, they begin to attract
others – men and women, young and old – willing to risk
everything for the sake of even a moment's freedom. Tuvia
(Craig) is a reluctant leader and his decisions are
challenged by his brother, Zus (Schreiber) who worries that
Tuvia's idealistic plans will doom them all. Asael (Bell) is
the youngest – caught between his brothers' fierce rivalry.
As a brutal winter descends, they work to create a
community, and to keep faith alive when all humanity
appeared to be lost.
"Defiance" is directed by Edward Zwick ("Blood Diamond,"
"Glory") from a screenplay by Zwick and Clayton Frohman,
based on Nechama Tec's non-fiction book of the same name.
The producers are Zwick and Pieter Jan Brugge. The team
recreating the forest haven includes two-time
Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Eduardo Serra ("Blood
Diamond," "Girl with a Pearl Earring"), production designer
Dan Weil ("Blood Diamond," "The Bourne Identity") and
Oscar®-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan ("Gosford
Park," "A Room with a View"). |
