Survival. Resilience. Redemption.|Dec. 25, 2014|United States|137 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Drama;War
Description: “Unbroken” (2014) is a powerful film based on the true story of Louis “Louie” Zamperini, a former Olympic athlete and World War II hero. The movie opens during a 1943 bombing mission over the Japanese-held island of Nauru, where Louie serves as a bombardier on a B-24 Liberator bomber. After the plane is damaged in combat, the pilot manages a risky landing despite a blown tire, showcasing the crew’s resilience.
The story then flashes back to Louie’s childhood in Torrance, California, where he faced challenges as a mischievous Italian-American boy. Bullied for his ethnicity, Louie found solace and discipline in running, thanks to his brother Peter’s encouragement. His talent earned him the nickname “The Torrance Tornado” and led him to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics, where he set a record in the 5,000-meter race.
Returning to 1943, Louie and his crew are assigned a search-and-rescue mission in a poorly maintained aircraft. When an engine fails, the plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, leaving Louie and two others stranded on inflatable rafts. Enduring 47 days at sea, they face starvation, shark attacks, and a strafing by a Japanese plane. After losing one of his companions, Louie and the other survivor, Phil, are captured by Japanese sailors.
As prisoners of war, Louie and Phil are brutally interrogated on Kwajalein Atoll before being sent to separate POW camps in Japan. Louie is taken to Ōmori camp near Tokyo, where he suffers relentless abuse from a sadistic corporal, Mutsuhiro Watanabe. Despite the unimaginable hardships, Louie’s unyielding spirit and determination to survive become a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
“Unbroken” is a harrowing yet inspiring tale of courage, endurance, and the indomitable will to overcome adversity. The film highlights Louie Zamperini’s extraordinary journey from troubled youth to Olympic athlete and his relentless fight for survival during one of history’s darkest chapters.
Cast director: Joseph P. Reidy
Cast actor: Jack O’Connell, Alex Russell, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Miyavi, Finn Wittrock, Jai Courtney, Maddalena Ischiale, Vincenzo Amato, Sophie Dalah
Original name: Unbroken