Unbroken is based on the true-life of Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) who faced and survived incredible and horrendous difficulties. The film opens with a battle sequence between bombers and Japanese zeros during World War II. It’s very well done and you are quickly engrossed, nervously clenching the armrests of your chair while you are enduring the battle. From there the story takes us through Louis’ childhood, his Italian upbringing, and his Olympic athleticism cut short by the War. We are taken back to the war-torn plane that barely makes it to base. Soon thereafter, with a replacement crew, they are sent back out in nothing more than a rickety, clunky yet “certified” flying-device. Sure enough, all the engines die and they crash land in the Pacific Ocean with Louis being one of the three survivors. After 47 days at sea, they are picked up by a Japanese ship and shipped off to prisoner of war camp. Louis quickly becomes the focus of the Savage camp commander who takes his violent abuse out upon Louis. But, Lewis endures, and endures, and endures. You find yourself amazed at how he survived the physical and mental torture and remained unbroken.
Angelina Jolie directs and does a great job. The cinematography is excellent and the acting is all very good. Jack O’Connell plays the leading character is very talented. We will be hearing more of him in the future. The film has little cussing and what it does have is contextually appropriate.
I would definitely recommend this film especially since it opens up with a scene of the preacher actually mentioning Jesus in a favorable light. This is something uncommon in Hollywood nowadays where Christians are routinely vilified. But, not so here. In fact, at the end of the movie, we are told how his faith helped him and how he went back to Japan years later and forgave his captors. Of course, the real Louis Zamperini became a Christian, but the movie portrays a generic kind of belief in God at his conclusion. At least, it wasn’t insulting to the Christian faith. That’s a nice switch.
Go see it.
