Unbroken is a gripping film based on the true story of one man’s extraordinary journey of torture and turmoil. Louie Zamperini (played by Jack O’Connell) goes from a troubled and mischievous boy to a promising athlete with the help of his brother. His motivation and determination lands him a spot in the 1936 Olympics. As World War II breaks out, Louie enlists in the military. On one of his rescue missions, his plane crashes in the Pacific, and he and one other man survives a torturous 47 days at sea. They are captured by the Japanese navy and sent to a POW camp where Louie becomes the target of a particularly cruel prison commander, played Takamasa Ishihara.

Zamperini’s story of unbelievable strength and determination is heart-wrenching and an inspiring true story about the resilient power of the human spirit. While in the POW camp he endures beating after beating, as if being starved and worked to death isn’t enough. The commander specifically seeks out Louie because he was an Olympian and tries his best to break him.

A blessing comes to Louie when the commander is given a promotion and moved to a different camp. In a twisted fate his camp enters the line of fire in the war so they are forced to evacuate to a different camp. When they arrive Louie looks up and falls faintly onto the man beside him when he realizes who the commander of the new camp is.

The film is directed by Angelina Jolie, which I find very refreshing. I was pleased with the angle she chose to take with this movie. She did a great job capturing the truly gruesome experience these men had to endure in a POW camp. The way she portrays Louie’s sheer passion and determination to stay strong throughout all of the challenges he faces is beautiful and captivating. Jack O’Connell was a brilliant actor in this movie. If he had not portrayed his character in the way he did, the movie would not have been as beautiful or amazing.

I enjoyed Unbroken very much and would highly recommend it. I give it a 4.5 out 5 stars. The movie is about two and half hours long, but every second is captivating and worth the time. I have never seen another movie like this one. It truly is one of a kind and I do not think another movie could touch me the way Unbroken did.