Netflix war film hailed ‘excellent’ by fans ‘thrill ride from start to finish’ | Films | Entertainment

A gripping wartime epic uniting James Bond and Ray Donovan in one of the most extraordinary true stories of the Second World War is now available to stream on Netflix UK.

Defiance, the 2008 historical drama starring Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber, has quietly amassed a devoted following over the years – and viewers rediscovering it today are hailing it as “one of the best films ever.”

Set in Nazi-occupied Belarus, Defiance recounts the remarkable real-life tale of the Bielski brothers – Tuvia, Zus, Asael and Aron – four Jewish siblings who fought back against the Nazi regime by establishing a resistance group deep in the forests.

The film is based on Nechama Tec’s non-fiction book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans, and dramatises their extraordinary efforts to shelter over 1,200 Jewish refugees in the woods, creating what was essentially a hidden village under constant threat of extermination.

Craig portrays the eldest brother Tuvia Bielski, who emerges as the group’s leader, while Schreiber takes on the role of fiery warrior Zus.

Jamie Bell features as their younger brother Asael, and George MacKay – who later rose to prominence in 1917 – played the youngest sibling, Aron.

Released at the end of 2008 and directed by The Last Samurai’s Edward Zwick, the film had its US premiere just in time for awards season and went on to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score, courtesy of composer James Newton Howard.

It was also shortlisted for a Golden Globe in the same category. Filmed on location in Lithuania — just 200 kilometres from where the actual events unfolded — the production made use of authentic forest landscapes and even recruited local extras descended from Jewish families saved by the Bielski family.

Although it launched quietly in selected cinemas, Defiance gathered pace during its wider release, ultimately taking $52 million at the box office worldwide. Critics offered a mixed reception, yet audience admiration has continued to grow over time.

One five-star reviewer on Letterboxd wrote: “Must watch 10/10. Whenever you have Daniel Craig (Bond) and Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) play two Nazi-hunting Jews navigating a group of a thousand displaced Belorussian Jews through the Yarden forest, facing the ultimate adversity – you have me sold”.

Another added: “Action-packed, great quotes, accurate, and a thrill ride from start to finish. You’ll be rethinking how powerful a sense of community is. (People forget!)”

Numerous fans applauded the emotional depth of the story, which strikes a balance between sweeping survival drama and intimate character-driven moments.

The film further examines the burdens of leadership under seemingly insurmountable circumstances, particularly as the group expands from a small band of fighters to more than a thousand civilians.

One viewer said: “For me, one of the best films ever. So inspiring and tragic at the same time. Worth watching.”

Another queried why it had not garnered wider acclaim, stating “I still find it crazy that this film is not considered a modern classic, with its stunning cinematography, fantastic performances, and gripping story”.

Defiance is now available for streaming on Netflix UK.