Zamperinis Story--Reviewers All Sense that Something Is Missing His Olympic triumph, survival at sea, torture in a Japanese prison camp--This is the story that the director, Angelina Jolie, tells. But that is not the story that enchanted the world over about this man. This is not the story he told as an inspirational speaker. The amazing part of his story is what transpired after he returned stateside. This is what made Zamperini a great man. Almost to a critic, the reviews mourn that despite wonderful performances, outstanding cinematography and well-done action sequences, “something” was missing.... The surprise is that the very thing that got Zamperini invited around the world, his moving story of visiting the camp where many of his tormentors were held and not only telling them he forgave them but hugging them and inviting them to join him in his faith … Jolie felt that was what should be cut. Jolie was right about one thing – we do need Zamperini’s story right now. However it’s the story of faith that really wove its way through his entire life. It’s the story of how “the hound of heaven” as C.S. Lewis referred to Jesus, pursued Zamperini all his life, captured his heart and then kept the promise He makes to all of us, “if you give up your life, you will gain it.”... When the war ended, Zamperini returned to the States wracked with hatred. He married but had nightmares constantly, drank daily, and was abusive. His wife turned her life over to the Lord and in a last-ditch effort to save their marriage, coaxed Zamperini to a meeting to hear Billy Graham.... His identity literally changed in that moment. “He was not the worthless, broken, forsaken man that the Bird had striven to make of him. In a single moment, his rage, his fear, his humiliation and helplessness, had fallen away.” That night, Zamperini made a confession of faith in Christ and his life was never the same again. He never had another nightmare, stopped drinking, and became the man his wife thought she had married. He began speaking at churches about the power of forgiveness, and then invitations began flowing in from far-flung places. He became an international speaker, inspiring audiences worldwide that despite what is done to you, through Christ, you can forgive and … be free. Thanks to film producer Mark Joseph for sending me this article. hollywoodintoto/unbroken-story-angelina-jolie-left-behind/
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 18:11:02 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015