Unbroken came out Christmas Day 2014, and stars Jack O' Connell as Louis Zamperini. Directed by Angelina Jolie, this film shows the aspiring life of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, and the hardships he faced as a Japanese POW in World War 2. The film puts you on board a B-24, one of many sent out on a U.S. bombing raid of a Japanese-held island in the Pacific. There's a real sense of the heaviness of the metal that somehow defies gravity as it grinds through the air, as well as an intense awareness of how all the men, from the guys in the cockpit, to the exposed gunners in their turrets, to the bombardier, Zamperini, depend upon each other to do their jobs. And, as the fast Zeroes approach and start firing on the Americans, the sound and speed of events are both pulse-quickening and sobering reminders of how arbitrary life and death are in combat. The plane crashes, killing most of the crew, leaving only Zamperini and two others alive to face the terrors of the open ocean.
Surviving for 47 days (with one, Francis "Mac" McNamara dying after 33, having used excess energy to fend off an attacking shark.) Upon arriving to land, Zamperini and pilot Russell Allen "Phil" Phillips were immediately taken captive by Japanese soldiers and held in captivity whilst being tortured for information. After 42 days, they were transferred to a POW camp where Zamperini and Phil were separated. Mutsushiro Watanbe, nicknamed the Bird, is a sadistic prison guard who takes a special interest in Zamperini, bringing Zamperini to the brink of despair.
The rest of the film continues with flash backs to Zamperini's childhood and his Olympic success, and shows the perseverance of someone who refuses to give up. Angelina Jolie's directional talent is amazing, and I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a truly moving film. I would give this movie a 10/10 for the to-the-point storyline and showcasing this amazing man's life.
Louis Zamperini died July 2nd, 2014 at the age of 93.
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