Opening 15 Jan 2015
Directed by:
Angelina Jolie
Writing credits:
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Richard Lagravenese, William Nicholson, Laura Hillenbrand
Principal actors:
Jack O'Connell, Takamasa Ishihara, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock
The film Unbroken is the true story of Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), a former Olympic athlete who served as a WW II fighter pilot. He is shot down over the Pacific Ocean where he survives a harrowing 47-day experience in a raft at sea, only to be captured by the Japanese navy and sent to a harsh prisoner of war camp run by a sadist. This heroic story tells of one man’s triumph of human spirit not being broken by physical and mental torture.
Written by the Coen brothers and directed by Angelina Jolie (all highly regarded for their award-winning contributions to film), the movie delivers well-crafted story telling along with insightful direction. O’Connell’s performance credibly tells Zamperini’s life narrative. The actors succeed in delivering powerful performances, leaving audience members’ guts wrenching in horror at man’s inhumanity to man.
This well-done war drama is a clear reminder that inner strength can sustain through the greatest of adversities. (Abby Myers)
