User reviews

Tom Gamble, a young merchant seaman who was suspended for brawling decides to stick it out in a rough New York neighbourhood until he can get his union card and find employment on another ship. Terrorising the area is a Puerto-Rican gang known as "The Souls", which Tommy is doing his best not to get involved with. But soon enough they begin to clash with each other and Tommy is starting to find some allies in a once shell-shocked community.

This might look like another very ordinary nitty gritty urban flick of the 70's and 80's fodder, but John Flynn's "Defiance" actually has a emotionally stimulating story to it. This element gives it a real backbone than just being a plain revenge / vigilante film centred just on the violence. It never loses sight of detailing the characters in a very realistic plight. I just watched Flynn's "Rolling Thunder" a couple of week's back and "Defiance" shares that hardboiled approached without wiping away that sincere touch. Flynn's sharp direction is very workable towards the hearty material, capturing the dominantly rough and raw N.Y. setting and letting it move at a brisk pace. The intensity of some certain tit for tat scenes are very well done and the exciting final confrontation between Gamble and the gang's leader Cruz doesn't let you catch a breath with it stinging ferocity. The dynamically funky and uncanny music score by Dominic Frontiere and Ric Waite's jarringly grounded photography also added to the film's unstably edgy and emotionally charged vibe. Thomas Donnelly and Mark Tulin's story is downright solid, without the need to go out big, but keeping it virtually simple and drawing you in with well-grounded characters and compelling situations that somehow feels fresh despite the rancid subject matter. The well-balanced script has a nice humorous edge (although there are couple unintentional moments -- stamping in a garden bed) and the drama of it holds up well with its street talk. Jan Michael Vincent superbly plays his aversely troubled character Tom Gamble like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode when needed. An exemplary Rudy Ramos makes one ultra-stylish thug and is truly fitting of the part as Angel Cruz. Theresa Saldana is wonderfully touching in her performance as Gamble's next-door neighbour. The supporting cast make real headway too. Lenny Montano, Art Carney, Tony Sirico and the lively kicking Danny Aiello are very good in their parts.

This diamond in the rough is an extremely focused and poignant picture that delivers on the main goods.

Jan-Michael Vincent who usually stars in rural setting films either western or modern goes to the mean streets of the Lower East Side of New York for Defiance. But the plot for Defiance could have come from any number of B westerns back in the day.

Vincent is a seaman who's suspended from the union and anxious to get back to sea. While adrift on land, he takes an apartment on the Lower East Side where he gets involved in the local neighborhood struggles with a gang that's terrorizing the place.

The film plays like the James Stewart western, The Far Country where the new town of Klondike miners look to him for leadership against the gang headed by John McIntire. Vincent of course sees himself as an outsider and in point of fact he really is. In fact with his All American boy looks, he's definitely an outsider in the very ethnic Lower East Side.

Most of all until the end Vincent disappoints Theresa Saldana who's a nice Jewish girl who'd like to get a little something going with him, but not if he won't protect the neighborhood.

Art Carney plays the local delicatessen owner and Danny Aiello is a neighborhood tough from bygone days. The gang leader, truly a despicable character is played by Rudy Ramos, his is the grittiest and best part in the film.

This 'western' was shot on the Lower East Side, I recognized some of the area myself. It does give it a nice feel and a lot more realistic than the Lower East Side of Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall. Still it's really an average western on the mean streets of New York.

This entertaining but often overlooked film stars Jan-Michael Vincent as a seaman who must temporarily reside on the tough, crime-filled and gang-infested streets of New York, where he is persuaded by fearful residents to join them in their war against "The Souls," a local Puerto Rican gang led by Angel Cruz (played by the underrated Rudy Ramos, who would later work on "Quicksilver" (1985) with Kevin Bacon). "Defiance" was filmed mostly in New York's East Village (specifically on 12th Street between Avenue A and B) at a time when street gangs did in fact control that particular area of Lower Manhattan. This film brings to mind the highly controversial release "The Warriors" (1979), about a group of young fighters framed by a rival gang. Director John Flynn is dead on with the emotional aspect of the film, capturing the heart-wrenching struggle between good and evil, the romance between Tommy (Vincent) and Marsha (Theresa Saldana) and the brutal and poignant deaths of two characters - Whacko (Lenny Montana, who played Luca Brasi in "The Godfather" (1972)) and Abe (Art Carney).

Highly recommended for cult film enthusiasts. I would love to see a DVD edition in the near future by MGM/UA (formerly Orion).

Merchant seaman Tommy Gamble, Jan-Michael Vincent, is strander in New York City because of some trouble he had with the captain of the freighter that he sailed on the last time he was out at sea.

Finding a place to stay in the lower east side he's confronted by a gang of local toughs, The Souls, and shows them he's not intimidated by them like everyone else in the neighborhood is.

Although Tommy is reluctant to become one he ends up not just becoming a hero but an inspiration to every one in the neighborhood. Showing them that by standing up and fighting back against thugs is much better then giving into them. The whole neighborhood, who for a long time was too scared and intimidated by the gang-bangers to confront them, rises up against them and runs them out of town. Tommy not only gets the girl Marsha, Theresa Saldana, but all his neighbors gratitude and respect as well.

Uplifting little film made much along the lines of that old western "High Noon", It's in that film where the sheriff, Gary Cooper, is forced to take on a gang of outlaws by himself because nobody in town would come to his aid who In the end, after dispatching them single handedly, throws away his badge and rides off with his girl, Grace Kelly, into the sunset leaving the cowardly towns people behind. The difference in "Defiance" is that Tommy was only able to clean up the town from the outlaws with the help of the towns people which made the movie more realistic and believable.

John Flynn was remembered for making gritty realistic dramas, and you'll see by his impressive inventory, the projects he chose. This well made and absorbing drama is no different, and by the end, has become quite impactful movie. Out of work, merchant seaman (Jan Michael Vincent) gets dealt a really bad hand, where he has to tough it out in a derelict apartment, in the more lower class, crime ridden New York. A real scary black gang called The Souls, who get more scary as the movie progresses, run this lower part of New York, where we have tough man (Vincent) as the first to go up against these bastards, first enduring a bit of bruising for his troubles. Befriending a boy and an old man, once a prize fighter, both now squatting in the tenenment, they form a friendship, as he does with some others, real New Yorker (Aiello) and some other familiar faces, from other mob films, here all good guys. They have all had enough of The Souls s..t, where Vincent could be the one that takes them down and makes one of the great likable hero's out there. It was a great casting choice. This gang really lets you know, they're not one to be messed with, especially if you squeal about their activities, the leader, a very fearful face, one merging with that of Ice T, and Mario Van Peebles. Art Carney is great as a convenient store owner, not of the not so lucky ones. Theresa Saldana is the other great standout one, Vincent's neighbor and romantic interest. She's very good and has the most memorable, such believable performance, but There's good acting by all, and Vincent does the role justice. This is one of those well made, search out 80's movies, a heroic urban tale of will and steel defiance, where the ending, that comes accompanied with a great victorious and inspiring music score, we walk away proud. This is a movie to be proud, a defiant tale that defies, two scenes featuring some heavy impactful violence, but that goes with the territory of this film.

I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. In fact, I really can't think of many negative things to say about this movie, other than that the story moved slowly a few times throughout. The main characters were quite likable, and the script was coherent enough. The film gives us a realistic look at the lawless nature of what inner cities may be like without a strong police foothold, painting a gritty picture of urban life and the struggle for survival.

The performance by the lead protagonist as the reluctant hero was solid, bringing a sense of vulnerability and determination to the role. The supporting cast also did a commendable job in adding depth to the storyline.

One of the highlights of Defiance is its portrayal of community and the power of standing up against oppression. The film's depiction of vigilantism is both thrilling and thought-provoking, raising questions about justice and morality in desperate circumstances.

The cinematography captures some interesting scenery throughout the city, adding to the film's authentic feel. The urban setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the tense and often violent confrontations that occur.

Overall, I'd say this movie is definitely worth a watch, especially if you enjoy movies about vigilantes. While it may not be a groundbreaking film, it offers a compelling story with engaging characters and a gritty, realistic atmosphere that should keep you emotionally invested throughout.

movie was OK-- People seem to either LOVE it or have never heard of it.

I didn't love it--i actually thought it was pretty average---but its not a bad watch by any means either. (kinda reminded me of The Substitute actually) Jan Michael Vincent is very Patrick Swayze in this movie. (looks like, sounds like, acts like) This could've been a movie with Patrick Swayze if it was made a decade later.

Danny Aiello is fun to see here tho---love the sequence in which he and Jan Michael beat the crap out of the gang leader's car towards the end. (very Mystery Men of them!) If you ever wanna see how gritty NYC was before it got outrageously expensive and overly hipster--you should definitely check this out tho. One of the best things about seeing it was that there was a Q and A with one of the co-stars/writers of the film and he said the studio kept telling him and the cast and crew not too wander too far away from the set when they were shooting at night---otherwise they'd encounter the real version of these guys! (dig that subway station where the gang beats up Jan Michael at the beginning of the film tho--you'd never really think of a subway station as being particularly clean or dirty--cause its the subway--its always gonna be dirty no matter what! but its sparkling clean today compared to how it was back then---and you can see that for yourself here in this movie!) Art Carney is always welcome in my neighborhood tho. (i can't believe young gang-bangers especially in NYC wouldn't recognize Art Carney/Ed Norton---The Honeymooners ran every single night at 11 30 in NYC for years and years and years on a local station---in the early 80's there's no way they wouldn't know of him--even if this is fiction and Art Carney is much older then he was when he was Ed Norton! God help me I will never forgive that actor for having the same name as the sidekick on the honeymooners! its just not right that every time someone mentions Art Carney---the actor Ed Norton has to spring to mind and i gotta specify no not Ed Norton the actor--I mean Ed Norton the character!)

For me, DEFIANCE was/is a film that delivered. Is it 'high art'?--I dunno. But it sure held my interest. JMV is our reluctant hero, 'Tom'. A merchant seaman, stranded in New York because of a beef on the job, near penniless Tom is forced to seek cheap digs in a slum rental while he waits for another ship assignment. He quickly crosses paths with 'The Souls', the Latino gang that holds the neighborhood in a grip of terror.

Tom is no white knight or crusader. A world weary pragmatist, he's just a guy trying to keep to himself until he can catch that much-needed next freighter out to sea. Though not an immediate champion of justice, neither is Tom indifferent to the suffering of others and gradually he finds himself being drawn into the lives of several of the local residents.

It is the leader of the Souls gang, 'Angel', with his determination to maintain his grip on his turf, and interloper Tom, with his stubborn refusal to abandon his newly made friends, who ignite the inevitable final--and highly satisfying--confrontation.

Is DEFIANCE a film filled with startling plot twists and dazzling production value? No. But I found it to be highly entertaining with real sincerity--and it continues to please me after repeated viewings. All hands involved in this production deserve praise for working within their limited budget to craft a tough, tender and edgy action/drama where an average fella, who cannot ignore his heart, takes a huge risk to correct a great injustice.

Is it SHANE?--Naw. (But what is?) I will tell you this: this flick delivers a whole fist-full of solid scenes. Fer instance: the moment when Tom draws his 'line in the sand'. Waiting until cover of darkness, Tom strides out of the shadows, club in hand, and begins to demolish Angel's beloved 'low rider' as an invitation to the gang--"Come and get me."

That scene works on EVERY level: script, direction, photography, JMV's smoldering fury, the startling, hot musical score that punctuates the moment--IT ALL WORKS! It gave me goose bumps the first time and it still gives me a kick to this day. DEFIANCE had me in it's grip: "Yeah, Tom! Screw the consequences! Let's take it to these vicious punks."

This flick never had anywhere near the budget or status of say, a DIE HARD, but it sure has the heart. In the early '80s, as I lived in my tiny apartment in Hollywood and struggled to write, I kept a tattered DEFIANCE poster tacked to my wall for inspiration.

DEFIANCE: a solid, commendable script, in the hands of a no-nonsense, focused director, who's leading a sincere and supportive cast--all in pursuit of a simple, but meaningful, action/morality tale that can't help but touch you on some level if you believe in justice and decency. Not too shabby, folks. Not too shabby at all.

Now I just wish somebody would get DEFIANCE onto a proper DVD (and throw in a few extras like cast/crew interviews, a trailer, maybe even some out-takes). I'd buy a copy in a heartbeat. And five more for some friends.

I knew nothing of this movie going in so I didn't know what to expect, just from synopsis I figured this would be a revenge story like Death Wish. But it was more like a slow moving Western, where the mysterious stranger rides into a troubled town... you know the rest.

This movie is very dated, the 80'sness in it makes it extra cheesy which I enjoy but because the movie moves so slow it doesn't make it fun. Overall it was entertaining to watch while I did housework but nothing that would captivate me to sit through another viewing, there are better movies out there.

I doubt I know all of them, but the three films of street gang genre which came out in the very late 70's and very early 80's were "The Warriors"; "The Outsiders" and this one, "Defiance". Each one had it's own positive and negative points, in my opinion. I have to admit that I've watched "The Warriors" several times over the years, and I never tire of it. On the other hand, one viewing of "The Outsiders" was enough for me, it just didn't hold up. "Defiance" however is an excellent film from start to finish, and I'll be sure to watch it again and again. The film does an outstanding job of showing the essence of what it was like to exist in a then gang-ridden neighborhood in NYC. And there is story behind it, as well as good acting, a touch of a love affair, and most importantly the grittiness of people who are determined to regain what was once theirs, only to be snatched by a gang of merciless thugs. Cheers!

Defiance is one of those films that you can find once in awhile on cable TV at some odd hour. Jan-Michael Vincent portrays a merchant marine who makes his home in a rundown tenament that's undersiege by a local street gang. Highly enjoyable film with a depressing aura of realism. Many of the films stars are veterans of this genre. Sadly, this film has been over looked for years and it's deserves a release in the future on DVD. The movie has the markings of a cult classic.

Highly recommended if you can find it.

B.

Jan-Michael Vincent portrays a suspended young seaman who takes up temporary housing in a neighborhood overrun by a gang,while waiting for his next orders to ship out.The gang is in dominating control.They steal and rob at will.No one will press charges due to fear of retribution.So he takes matters into his own hands to combat the growing violence spurring his fellow neighbors to join him.I remember seeing "Defiance" on Polish TV many years ago.I am also a big fan of John Flynn's earlier revenge thriller "Rolling Thunder"."Definace" doesn't disappoint.It's a gritty drama/thriller with excellent central performance of Jan-Michael Vincent.The look of the film is ugly and washed out,but the violence is kept to minimum.A must-see for fans of "Death Wish","The Warriors" and the likes.8 out of 10.

Back when Jan Michael Vincent could be recognized, physically and vocally, and he had so much going for him he slipped this smallish cheesy cult classic into his filmography. Tommy Gamble is a sea merchant suspended for fighting. He gets stuck in a tough rundown New York neighborhood while he waits to get reinstated so he can catch a ship out of the scummy rough neighborhood overrun by the hoods and thugs (laughable & absurd 'Cholo' gang stereotypes) known as the 'Souls'. During his stay he has multiple run-ins with the Souls and stands up to their antics and bullying, showing the neighborhood that fighting back may be the answer to their problems. The plot is a tad thin but, like screenwriter Walter Hill's other efforts, there is a surreal atmosphere that is a lot harder to find in films these days. The acting is good and you don't feel like these actors are surrounded by cameras like most films today. The supporting cast includes actors Danny Aiello and Art Carney but there are few others who are memorable. It's a very hard film to find but it's a good watch if you have nothing else to do on a very late Saturday night.

I seen this movie way back in probably 1981 & liked it. I happened to see the last twenty minutes of it on TV a few weeks ago. I decided to buy the VHS tape. All in all I still liked it. Filmed in the older & trashy area of New York City helped the overall feel of the movie. I am a little bias of the movie since I have always been a Jan Michael Vincent fan. I give it a 7/10

This just aired on the ENCORE ACTION channel recently. This is a very entertaining NYC flick - and pretty action filled considering it is PG! Jan Michael Vincent is at his best as a reluctant action hero who finally has enough of a Puerto-Rican gang in a Italian NYC neighborhood. Jan is one of my favorite actors, and he effortlessly pulls off this character with believability and heart. And looks sexy doing it, too. His love interest is very sweet in this movie, as is the orphan kid he 'adopts' along the way. The bad gang leader is very entertaining - this guy loves hats! the gang looks like they dressed up to partake in Michael Jackson's Beat It Video! Best part of this movie is the Jan-Michael shower scene - that's all I have to say.

I saw this movie for the first time around 10 yrs when it first came out. I thought it was a cool movie then, and still do today. A straight forward plot, and the acting is so-so, but this movie is still a classic that throws back to old-school street gangs. If you like "The Warriors" (another classic in my book), then you should like this one. The leader of the gang's name is "Angel Cruse." How cool is this dude? So cool that he doesn't even fight until the end of the movie. Which is much anticipated throughout the movie with our hero Jan Michael. This movie also has some good dialogue and "one liners" (just like in "the warriors"). Another plus is Danny Aielo in this movie. Quite unknown when this movie came out, but he shines here in my opinion. Check it out!

Jan Michael Vincent steps into Charles Bronson Territory in this great Exploitation Masterpiece. Vincent plays a merchant Marine who moves to the South Bronx and Ends up mixing it up with a vicious Puerto Rican gang. Led by the Immortal Rudy Ramos who plays the gangleader "Angel" who plays the thug with just the right amount of street punk-aristocratic flair that every street gang leader should exhibit. Ramos & Screenwriter Tom Donnelly would team up in the Kevin Bacon Classic "Quicksilver", where Ramos plays the villainous Gypsy in that one. Unfortunately, the Tom Donnelly/Ramos collaboration dries up by the time Donnelly helms "Blindsided". Getting back to "Defiance", The guy who played Luca Brasse in the Godfather plays an Ex-boxer called Wacko ( Don't ask me who came up with that name.) Art Carney plays a jewish Grocery store Owner....Danny Aielo also> embarrases himself in this one.....And if you look Closely , you'll find the Guy who plays Paulie Walnuts on the Sopranos. If you like this film check out "Quicksilver".