08. DEFIANCE (2008)
Blending action and suspense with a raw and gritty narrative,
Defiance is a more traditional or conventional war film in many ways. However, it also tells a very important story of Jews doing whatever is necessary to escape the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. Different from many of the other films on this list, Defiance has a number of humorous and light-hearted moments amongst a barrage of heartache and genuinely unsettling elements. Based on a true story, the film is far from historically accurate, however it does provide a strong and inspirational message that those under persecution can in fact survive under the harshest of conditions.
Daniel Craig and
Liev Schreiber give compelling performances in roles that demonstrate their abilities at playing action heroes that are ultimately very human. Gone is Craigs Bond persona, leaving a passionate and engrossing performance remaining.