Daniel Craig's still defiant over film roles

Jan 2 2009 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

Jamie Bell and Daniel Craig in the film Defiance _320

Films about the Second World War are as relevant as ever, Bond actor Daniel Craig tells Vicky Anderson

HE MAY be living out every Boy’s Own fantasy as James Bond, but the action heroes that intimidate Daniel Craig are his beloved Liverpool FC.

The Wirral-raised Hollywood star could not conceal his love for the Reds when asked about his own personal inspiration.

“The idea of heroes is such a wide concept. When I was growing up, it was Liverpool FC players,” said the 007 actor.

“Most of the Liverpool squad are my heroes. I think I’d be a gibbering wreck if I got in a room with some of those people.”

After a hectic year, Craig says he will be taking January off to heal an injury – a separated shoulder and subsequent surgery – inflicted during the filming of the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, released this autumn.

But that wasn’t before heading off to the freezing forests of Lithuania to make Defiance, released next week.

Based on a true story, the film is a tale of family honour, vengeance and salvation in World War II.

Set in Eastern Europe in 1941, it follows the fates of three Jewish brothers who take refuge in the woods of their homeland and begin a desperate battle against the Nazis, finding a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones by saving thousands of others.

As Tuvia Beilski, Craig is the reluctant leader of their ever- expanding group, with his decisions challenged by his brother, Zus (Leiv Schreiber) who worries that Tuvia’s idealistic plans will doom them all.

Younger brother Asael (Billy Elliot’s Jamie Bell) is caught between his brothers’ fierce rivalry.