Unbroken (2014)

Director: Angelina Jolie
Starring: Jack O’Connell, Miyavi, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock
Genre: War / Biographical Drama
Runtime: 137 minutes
Release Date: December 25, 2014 (USA)

It is a story of extreme endurance, mental and physical suffering, and the will to survive against all odds. Yet despite its epic scope, the film struggles at times to fully capture the depth of Zamperini’s inner journey.

• Stunning Cinematography: Shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins, Unbroken is visually striking. From sweeping aerial war scenes to quiet, brutal images of survival at sea, the film is undeniably beautiful to look at.

• Jack O’Connell’s Committed Performance: As Louis Zamperini, O’Connell gives a physically and emotionally demanding performance. He brings dignity, restraint, and resolve to the role, even when the script limits emotional nuance.

• Incredible True Story: Zamperini’s life is nothing short of extraordinary, and the film faithfully portrays key events — his Olympic career, plane crash, shark attacks, and torture in POW camps — with gritty realism.

• Authentic War Elements: The production design, costume, and sound design create a believable wartime atmosphere. The survival scenes at sea, in particular, are harrowing and well-crafted.

• Emotionally Detached: Despite the intensity of the events, the film often feels emotionally distant. It shows Zamperini’s suffering, but doesn’t always help us feel what he feels. Key emotional arcs — such as faith, forgiveness, or hope — are underdeveloped.

• Lacks Character Depth: Supporting characters (such as fellow soldiers and captors) are thinly written. The Japanese prison guard Watanabe (“The Bird”), played by musician Miyavi, is cruel but lacks dimension. Their relationship could have carried more psychological tension.

• Missed Spiritual Themes: Zamperini’s post-war life and eventual redemption through faith are barely addressed. This was a powerful part of his real story, and its absence makes the film feel incomplete.

• Rotten Tomatoes: 51% (critics), 71% (audience)

• Metacritic: 59/100

• Box Office: $163 million worldwide

• Awards: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Cinematography, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing)

Critics were split. Many praised Jolie’s direction and the film’s technical quality, while others found it emotionally shallow and overly sanitized. Viewers were often more moved than critics, drawn in by the sheer endurance of Zamperini’s journey.

While Unbroken doesn't fully explore the emotional or spiritual depths of its subject, it introduced many viewers to the inspiring life of Louis Zamperini. A separate film, Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018), attempted to complete the story with a focus on his post-war healing and forgiveness.

Angelina Jolie's direction was ambitious and visually accomplished for a sophomore feature, showing her skill behind the camera even if the film lacked narrative balance.

Unbroken is a powerful and polished survival story that captures the brutality of war and the endurance of the human spirit. However, it stops short of delivering the emotional and spiritual impact that could have made it truly unforgettable. Still, it stands as a respectful tribute to one of the 20th century’s most extraordinary lives.