Unbroken

This movie directed by Angelina Jolie is based on the real life of Louis Zamperini who was the son of an Italian immigrant.  The story begins with Louis as a young boy who is always getting into mischief.  His brother convinces him to take up running as a way to stay out of trouble and he finds he is quite good at it.  He makes the Olympic team and is to compete in Tokyo.  However the Olympics are halted due to the war.

Louis, who was played by Jack O’Connell, is a bombardier in the war and his plane is shot down over the ocean. After being on a life raft for 47 days, him and the only other survivor Phil, played by Domhnall Gleeson, are taken as prisoners of war by the Japanese and taken to a POW camp.

Louis becomes the whipping boy for the camp leader who was known as “The Bird”.  He endures many hardships at the hands of “The Bird” but survives.  His motto becomes “If I can take it, I can make it”. 

I enjoyed this movie and it was heartbreaking at times.  The strength of Louis is admirable and you can’t help but respect him.  Angelina Jolie was terrific as a director and got the best out of all the actors. I look forward to any future movies with her as a director. 

Interestingly enough, Louis was selected to be the grand marshall in this past week’s Rose Bowl parade.  He however, died at the age of 97 on July 2, 2014.    He lived his life in a way I would hope everyone should look up to.   

This movie has been a sell-out almost every night it has played and I rated it accordingly.  I gave it 3 out of 4 stars.