Member review

This is a 2014 American war movie produced and directed by Angelina Jolie. Based on an actual true story, the theme throughout is encapsulated in the very title 'Unbroken'. Here is a story about endurance, resilience, strength and pain. If this was not based on fact it would indeed appear far-fetched. Consequently, from the beginning I was truly gripped.

The start of the movie is somewhat slow as we learn about the main character's disadvantaged life growing up. However, the element of intrigue remains. Louie Zamperini often got into trouble as a young kid until his brother trained him to become a distanced runner. This introduction to the movie is quite cliched but Jolie is preparing for us to meet a true fighter and the suspense is engaging. I'm reminded of Jolie's own acting roles such as 'Lara Croft' and know I'm not in for a romantic diversion.

When World War II breaks out Louie enlists in the military. On May 27th 1943, his plane went down in the Pacific while on a search operation. This in my opinion is where the movie begins. Zamperini is played by British actor Jack O'Connell, best known for playing 'Cook' on the drama 'Skins'. He was hand picked by Jolie for this role after a world wide search and does indeed do the character justice.

Back to SPOILERS...when their plane went down, Zamperini had to pull himself out out of the sinking aircraft and make it to a life raft with two others. They were the only survivors of an eleven man crew and lasted for 47 days on fish and rainwater. The survival scenes are captivating and O'Connell and fellow comrades portray the endurance role with conviction. It's intense to say the least as we watch them battle with sharks and withstand their fate. The music and overall effects create a gripping tension that I found compelling. They later become POWs (prisoners of war) after being captured by the Japanese Navy. This is where I'd believe it to be rather dubious if it wasn't a genuine story.

Life or rather hell in the Japanese prison is an excruciating watch. The torturous but riveting scenes that follow leave us forgetting what the start of the movie was all about. Be prepared for violence and nauseating drama but played out very well and directed in a powerful and telling way. Refraining from further spoilers, I would recommend this movie to those who can tolerate concentration camp scenarios. Being a true story, Angelina Jolie did not hold back on delivery that could otherwise be construed as exaggeration. Did they survive? Well that's why I encourage you to watch. I enjoyed all aspects of this movie, albeit with gritted teeth and one eye open. Overcoming adversity, O'Connell almost mimicked a Lara Croft style endurance which is quite ironic. Despite receiving mixed reviews, I personally remained absorbed throughout.