Defiance is a highly enjoyable film despite its conventionally epic style and tendency to over dramatize. The performances are fantastic and contribute to several compelling scenes. It was a relief to finally see a movie that doesn't depict the Jews of WWII as helpless victims. The film is also brave enough to depict Jews with a wide rang of reactions to the brutality that they are forced to endure. Through different characters they are portrayed as both virtuous and brutally vengeful, as well as everything between.