Product Description Living in the Soviet Republic of Belorussia during World War II, Tuvia, Asael and Zus Bielski saved more than twelve-hundred of their fellow Jews from perishing in the Holocaust, yet their story has largely gone untold. The Bielski's built an elaborate village in the woods, from which they rescued Jews and mounted guerilla attacks against the Nazis. Their forest haven included a gun workshop, a bakery, a synagogue, a communal bath and even a theater company. Containing interviews with Bielski Brigade survivors in the United States, Israel and Great Britain, we proudly pay tribute to three of the greatest unsung heroes of the Holocaust. .com The true story behind Edward Zwick's Defiance is laid out in this brisk, straight-to-the-point account of the Bielski brothers, the leaders of a large, organized Jewish resistance effort during World War II. Escaped Jews from the ghettoes of Eastern Europe joined together in the woods under the leadership of Tuvia, Zus, and Asael Bielski, and for over two years they created their own hidden society of approximately 1200 people. This History Channel installment gathers together survivors of the partisan movement to tell stories, some of which are incredibly moving, such as the escape of Mike Stoll and his sister Bella from a train headed to a concentration camp. Another survivor recalls escaping the horror of the ghetto and coming upon the Bielskis in their forest enclave, where Jews were no longer under the heel of the enemy: "The whole camp was… something of a dream." The documentary's brevity means we don't get much depth on how the Bielski partisans actually survived from day to day, although a couple of the interviewees are frank about what they had to do to keep going. But this is balanced by the value of actually hearing the voices and seeing the faces of those who were there; when one woman sings a song of the camp, the decades suddenly collapse. As a companion piece to Defiance, it suggests the Zwick film was faithful to the facts, and to this story of heroism under terrible circumstances. --Robert Horton
S**I
Bielski Survivors Speak
The movie "Defiance" was incredible! Craig and Schreiber performances were exemplary. I'd say Craig was at his best.The story line only touches upon the time line of the real events. I realize that this is a movie and compilation of true events and they did a great job!The movie company could not film in the current country of Belorus. It's very strictly governed. And, remember that Jews were not well-loved in the old Belorus.The movie crew search European locations and found exactly the same types of forests, soil types and swamps as there were in Belorus. They filmed during 12 weeks of Winter . The Bielski Otriad faced 6 months of Winters, that can be 30 or more below zero at times. Kudos to the reality of the locations.Worth owning and re-watching from time to time, as I have on numerous occasions.This History Channel is revealing in such a way that the movie could not be as they interview relatives and survivors of the Bielski Otriad. To see and hear one of Tuvia's sons and Asael and Chaya's daughter is incredible! [She speaks of her father's death fighting the Germans as they were informed by the Russian Army.] Pay close attention to her expressions and body language. The book points out that a Russian officer hated Asael. Hmmmm.Tuvia's son would be at the regular gatherings [at home] of many of the survivors through the years. He was constantly told what a great man Tuvia was. He did not understand until the much later in life and more information came out.Tuvia was no angel, but best suited to the task before him. Read the book! The one by Nechama Tec. I have most of the others as well. Haven't read them yet.
T**M
One of History Channel's Best
I had seen bits and pieces before on various history, discovery type shows, but never all of the story; not to mention all the commercial interruptions.. I am very pleased with the whole process; from ordering to viewing. The seller did not miss a beat. Others may question, even deny the holocaust, but I am one that has viewed the tattoos (Numbers across their forearm, for tracking purposes.) of those who survived the death camps. I went on and purchased the movie "Defiance," followed up by the book, "Fugitives of the Forest." (The Heroic Story of Jewish Resistance and Survival During the Second World War, 'WWII'."If you do not own it, you should.
S**L
the best example of heroism at its best
I know Ariel personally and I know their story, the pictures is a remainder to all of what honest willpower can archive.
J**S
There are people who care about others because they were killed only because they were Jews.
Very intresting history accounts, history should never be forgotten. People saving others just because of there faith in God and the unfair treatments to Jews by the Germans and those who hated for the Jews.
G**B
Bielski Brothers Review
A fascinating look at a little known aspect of the eastern front during World War II and the resistance of Jewish people to the horrors of the Nazi holocaust. A more in-depth study of this subject is certainly called for, but int he meantime this serves as a fascinating and sobering look at one families fight against Hitler's attempted destruction of European Jews.
J**E
everyone should see this
I found the story of people helping each other to be essential to the human spirit. So many in the world who have thought that Jews were led to slaughter like sheep have been wrong. This is the powerful and true story of a Jewish resistance movement during World War II in the Bellarus area of Europe. I was amazed at the strict dicipline that was used; but it was effective. An excelent production that was also well acted.
S**R
Historical detail.
If you enjoyed Defiance, this will add detail to what was portrayed in that film. It takes some polish off the hero image of the brothers, showing them to be rougher characters starting out than in the film. Ultimately their heroism does not suffer much by portraying them more realistically.
K**H
Incredible
This video is even more exciting than the movie. These people were not only heroes, but someone any nation would acknowledge. Notice after the war many moved to the USA, which pays us a very high complement. This is also a must for any Russian front buff..
C**.
film
I expected the actual film, so was disappointed.
L**S
The book is Better
I have been a follower of Bielski Bros since I was young. A family were friends who survived. This dvd is personal to me alone yet I am happy that it exists and hopefully more info will emerge.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
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