DURING the Holocaust, the fabric of society was torn almost beyond repair as entire nations bore witness, sometimes silently, to Hitler's extermination of the Jews.

Yet in the midst of shocking violence, there were beacons of hope to teach us valuable lessons about mankind's astounding courage, strength and resilience.

Based on the book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans by Nechama Tec, Edward Zwick's historical drama relates another stirring tale of heroism and sacrifice during these horrendous years of conflict in Europe.

Unfortunately, awe and wonder about the incredible facts underpinning Zwick's film gradually wane as the script, co-written with Clayton Frohman, distills facts at a pedestrian pace through competent action sequences and lacklustre verbal exchanges.

As Hitler's army marches through Belarussia, three Jewish brothers escape the onslaught to lead hundreds of survivors into the dense forests.