Review of Unbroken (2014) by Thequietgamer — 11 May 2015

Angelina shows real talent in her second film as director. Based on the true events surrounding Louie Zampirini during WW2, "Unbroken" acts a testament to human strength and willpower. It shows that even during the worst of scenarios so long as one can persevere they can overcome. Or, as the film puts it, "if you can take it you can make it.".

The horror of his captivity in a Japanese POW camp as well as the hopelessness of being lost at sea. It's resourcefulness and shear strength that kept him going and it's just uplifting to watch. It doesn't show anything about how these events effected him after the war. Instead it chooses to focus on the more empowering aspects of his story.

What might be Jolie's biggest success with this movie is in the casting of newcomer Jack O'Connell as the lead. He might not show the necessary emotions during some of the earlier scenes, but as the events kick off we see him play a character who is weary and withered, but somehow still strong to near-perfection.

It's a war drama that takes place during a familiar period, but still manages to be fresh and enjoyable thanks to a great story. Some might find disappointment in the fact that it doesn't capture all of the man's life, but if you keep in mind this is meant to be both a biographical movie as well as one meant for entertaining a wider audience then you should still enjoy it.

I give "Unbroken" a 9.2/10.