Premiere Date: Dec. 25, 2014

Director: Angelina Jolie

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Starring: Jack O’ Connell, Takamasa Ishihara, Dormhnall Gleeson

Our Rating: B

Unbroken, directed by iconic actress Angelina Jolie, displays the real life experiences of Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini as an Italian immigrant, Olympic athlete and soldier taken as a prisoner of war during World War II. Zamperini (Jack O’ Connell) must struggle through being bullied for his Italian heritage and immigrant status as a child, learning to vent his frustrations (through the influence of his brother) in running. Eventually, that decision leads to Zamperini becoming an Olympic athlete.

However, the main point of the story becomes Zamperini’s experiences at war. Lost at sea after a plane crash that leaves him and two of his fellow soldiers stranded for 47 days, Zamperini becomes an audience favorite as his drive to survive is revealed. Even after he is found and taken prisoner by the Japanese, Zamperini displays incredible resilience and strength in the face of terrible odds, especially when he ignites the interest of sadistic prisoner of war camp commander Watanabe (Ishihara).

While the movie does tear at the heartstrings of the audience, it fails in one important aspect. Based on the novel by Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken relates Zamperini’s post war tribulations as he learns to forgive the people who took him prisoner and tortured him, turning to religion to find peace within himself after dealing with his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, instead of hatred and anger. The movie overlooks the important lesson that Zamperini’s decision teaches, instead mentioning it offhandedly at the end of the film in simple text on a black screen.

Despite that one shortcoming, the movie is an incredible example of the resilience of man during harrowing, hostile situations. Zamperini’s experiences are an inspiration to many of the people who see the movie, and we highly recommend that you check it out.