Film fans can now stream an ‘epic’ war movie based on an incredible true story for free.

Originally released back in 2008, Defiance has been added to the ever changing library on the BBC iPlayer. It is one of a number of titles added to the service to commemorate the recent Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27).

The film is set during the occupation of Belarus by Nazi Germany in 1941, as Eastern European Jews were being killed by the thousands. It follows three brothers, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber) and Asael (Jamie Bell), who manage to escape and take refuge in the forest where they used to play as children.

Seeking a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones, the brothers turn their daily struggle for survival into a battle against the Nazis. As news of their exploits spreads, others join the fray, willing to risk their lives for even brief freedom.

Former Bond actor Daniel Craig, former X-Men star Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell, known for playing Billy Elliott all star as the brothers.

Liev Schriber, Daniel Craig, and Jamie Bell in Defiance

View 2 Images

The film is inspired by a true story(Image: Paramount)

It is based on the non-fiction book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans, published in 1993 and written by Nechama Tec which tells the true story of the eponymous group led by Belarusian Jewish brothers, who really did save and recruit Jews in Belarus during World War II.

The author of the book did share hesitation about the film and some historical inaccuracies and its use of creative licence. However after multiple viewings said that she enjoyed it ‘more and more’.

While it didn’t overwhelm critics, the movie did receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score. It only has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 58% but its fan score sits at 72% with viewers still recommended it as required viewing years after it first hit the big screen.

One person, sharing their thoughts claimed: “For me, one of the best films ever. So inspiring and tragic at the same time. Worth watching.” Another simply added: “An absolutely amazing war film.”

Daniel Craig

View 2 Images

Some say it is Daniel Craig’s best performance

While one viewer wondered why it does not have equal standing among other titles like Saving Private Ryan as they said: “I still find it crazy that this film is not considered a modern classic, with its stunning cinematography, fantastic performances, and gripping story.”

Someone else posted: “An epic war movie. It really went under the radar. Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell were amazing as brothers trying to survive the holocaust. It was an interesting movie based on true events. Those were scary times. The attention to detail was amazing. The accents were a bit iffy but I still enjoyed it.”

One viewer commented: “Powerful movie. I cant believe it was based on a true story.” There are plenty of others who believe that it features Daniel Craig’s ‘best performance’ and the film is ‘underrated and overlooked’.

Defiance is streaming on BBC iPlayer.