Defiance

In August 1941, Nazi Germany launched its invasion into the USSR, marking the beginning of brutal conflict. The Nazi Einsatzgruppen executed systematic killings of Hebrews, leading to the murder of 50,000 in mere weeks.

The Bielski brothers, Tuvia, Zus, Asael, and Aron, escape the Nazi purge, having lost their parents to local police colluding with the Germans. Vowing to avenge their parents’ deaths, they flee to the Naliboki Forest, a place reminiscent of their childhood.

Tuvia advocates for guerrilla tactics to combat the Germans, emphasizing strategy over direct confrontation. In contrast, Zus grows impatient and seeks immediate action, driven by the desire to protect his wife and child.

Tuvia takes the initiative and successfully kills the local Auxiliary Police chief who was responsible for the death of their parents. This act of revenge marks the brothers' first significant rebellion against their oppressors.

As the brothers hide in the forest, they encounter other Hebrew escapees and decide to protect them under their leadership. The growing group faces challenges with food and shelter, leading Tuvia and Zus to gather supplies from local villagers.

With a larger group of survivors, the brothers establish a settlement in the forest, constructing shelters from wood. They build a sense of community as they share resources, navigating the complexities of survival amidst constant danger.

Zus learns from new arrivals that his wife and child have been killed in a concentration camp. Grief-stricken, he grows increasingly restless, urging Tuvia to take direct action against the Germans to avenge their families.

Tuvia faces dissent among the survivors and a mounting rivalry with Zus regarding strategies for survival. While Tuvia pushes for a cautious approach, prioritizing the group’s safety, Zus rebels and pursues his own vision of direct confrontation.

The brothers' settlement in the forest is discovered by the Germans after a betrayal by local collaborators. The survivors narrowly escape, illustrating the constant threat they face and the necessity for Tuvia's cautious leadership.

As winter approaches, Zus leaves the camp to join a company of Soviet partisans, while Tuvia remains with their group as the leader. Their alliance allows the Hebrew camp to obtain protection in exchange for supplies.

Among the camp’s refugees, Asael finds love with Chaya Dziencielsky and marries her just before the harsh winter sets in. Meanwhile, Tuvia harbors feelings for a Polish refugee but never acts on them, focusing instead on their survival.

After enduring a winter filled with sickness and hunger, the camp learns of an impending German attack, triggered by earlier raids. The Soviet partisans opt for retreat, leaving the Hebrews to defend themselves.

A small group, led by Asael, stays behind to slow the advancing German troops, but they are soon overwhelmed. This act of bravery highlights the community’s commitment to protecting one another against escalating dangers.

As the survivors face a formidable German assault, they are unexpectedly rescued by Zus and his partisan group, who attack from the rear. Their efforts culminate in their escape into the forest, showcasing the enduring bonds formed through strife.

The survivors thrive in the forest, establishing hospitals, schools, and growing their number to 1,200. After the war, Tuvia, Zus, and Aron settle in America, leaving behind a legacy of resistance and survival that endures through generations.