SURVIVAL. RESILIENCE. REDEMPTION.

The story of Louis Zamperini, the Olympic distance runner who fought in World War II, survived more than a month on a raft in shark-infested waters, and then suffered torture in a Japanese POW camp is amazing, and it’s hard to fail with talents behind the camera like those writers, that cinematographer and that composer. Director Angelina Jolie holds the film together, flashbacks and all, with great skill. Jack O’Connell may not be a standout in the lead, but this is a very compelling movie, faintly echoing predecessors like The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). Singer Miyavi is worth a look as ”The Bird”, the real-life sadistic camp commander.

2014-U.S. 137 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced by Matthew Baer, Angelina Jolie, Erwin Stoff, Clayton Townsend. Directed by Angelina Jolie. Screenplay: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Richard LaGravenese, William Nicholson. Book: Laura Hillenbrand. Cinematography: Roger Deakins. Music: Alexandre Desplat. Cast: Jack O’Connell (Louis ”Louie” Zamperini), Domhnall Gleeson (Russell ”Phil” Phillips), Garrett Hedlund (John Fitzgerald), Miyavi, Finn Wittrock, Jai Courtney.

Trivia: The real-life Zamperini died in 2014 shortly after watching the movie. His story has been the subject of several Hollywood projects over the decades; at various points, Tony Curtis and Nicolas Cage were reportedly considered for the lead role. Followed by Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018).

Last word: “I tend not to look back and dwell on a project once it is finished. But I do remember how intense the atmosphere was on-set filming some of the tougher scenes [such as] when Louie is being brutalized. It was very moving how always, after those scenes, the actors involved would check [and make sure that] everyone was okay and look out for each other.” (Jolie, Elle)

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