SUE’S REVIEWS: UNBROKEN “Unbroken” is a 137 minute PG-13 Rated Biography/Drama directed by Angelina Jolie starring Jack O’Connell (Louis Zamperini), Jai Courtney (Hugh “Cup” Cuppernell), Finn Wittrock (Francis McNamara), Garrett Hedlund (John Fitzgerald), Alex Russell (Pete Zamperini) and Sophie Dalah (Virginia) . “Unbroken” is the screenplay adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s non-fiction book “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption” (2010). It depicts the incredible story of Olympic track star Lou Zamperini who survived a plane crash in World War II and spent 47 days adrift at sea in a raft with two other crewmen. He was captured by the Japanese Navy and sent to several prisoner-of-war camps for 2 ½ years before he was rescued at the end of the war. “Unbroken” is a spectacular epic about a great Italian-American and his heroic war experiences. I did a Hollywood “fact- versus- fiction” check before seeing it and was delighted that it sticks to the truth regarding this great man with only slight deviations (unlike most so-called biopics these days). Angelina Jolie worked with Zamperini on the script before his death in July at age 97. Both Hillenbrand and Jolie were adamant about telling his true story. Jolie was recently criticized in the Sony hacked emails as being a “spoiled brat” with minimal talent. We don’t know what level of involvement she had as director of this film but if she truly directed it, I don’t see how you could call her untalented. The movie begins with a dog- fight between Japanese zeros and American B-24 fighter planes, one of which has bombardier Lou Zamperini on- board. It then flashes back to his childhood and the evolution of his phenomenal success on the track, including his participation in the 1936 Berlin summer Olympics. The use of flash-backs between Zamperini’s prison camp experience and his previous life is very effective. The photography is outstanding and the special effects are realistic and never over-the-top. Casting the relatively unknown Jack O’Connell in the role of Zamperini was brilliant and he does not disappoint. He will probably be nominated for an Oscar for his passionate, realistic portrayal of every aspect of Zamperini’s life. Many scenes, especially the torture in the prison- of- war camps, are difficult to watch but are necessary to comprehend the full impact of what he endured. I only have 3 minor criticisms of “Unbroken” (which I think is the best choice of all the holiday season movies). It downplays Zamperini’s spirituality and his faith in God which got him through his ordeal. He only mentions God once in the film but he was very vocal about this in real life. There are some minor editing flaws such as a well-groomed goatee after 47 days adrift at sea. My biggest criticism is that the film gives practically no references regarding time or location and if you did not know it took place during WW II going into the movie, you might not know it coming out. I was very emotional while watching this film for several reasons. The verbal and physical abuse which Zamperini suffered as an Italian immigrant in the US is similar to what my mother and her brothers (also Italian immigrants) endured. I could not help but think about, and feel proud of, my father who was fighting in the battles of Okinawa and Guam during the time Zamperini was in prison. And finally, at a time when so many schools are teaching a revised view of American history, it brought tears to my eyes to see a movie where our country’s heroes and its exceptionalism are accurately depicted on the big- screen. The epilogue is informative, especially the real photos of Zamperini and his family. I highly recommend this film and give “Unbroken” a 9.5 on the ABBONDANZOMETER (Scale of 1-10).
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 22:04:23 +0000
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