This phrase describes a specific type of crossword clue seeking the title of a film featuring a protagonist who challenges established power structures. Examples of suitable answers might include films about revolutionaries, whistleblowers, or characters resisting oppressive regimes or societal norms. The clue relies on the solver’s familiarity with film narratives and their ability to associate themes of rebellion and nonconformity with specific movies.
Such clues serve several purposes within the crossword puzzle landscape. They add a layer of cultural knowledge to the puzzle, rewarding solvers who are cinephiles. The inherent ambiguity in defining “defiance of authority” allows for a range of possible answers, increasing the puzzle’s complexity and prompting solvers to consider various interpretations. This type of clue can also introduce solvers to new films or encourage them to revisit familiar ones through a different lens. The effectiveness of these clues depends on the clue writer’s ability to balance specificity and ambiguity, ensuring a challenging yet solvable puzzle.