While the real story is very compelling, the film adaptation is not.

Rating: 4/10 (25 January 2015)

Survival of the human spirit over unspeakable hardship and brutality could be very uplifting and inspiring. Unfortunately the viewer is not really given much to understand the thoughts that take Louie through his horrific journey. From his young days when he is heading for a life of crime until his older brother encourages him on the path of an Olympic runner we are not really given any insight into his thinking and motivation. We get glimpses of his determination but it is disconnected from his inner struggles. Patriotism is prominent on both sides but almost as a caricature, it does not feel real.
The movie spends inordinate time depicting the sadistic treatment in the prisoners of war camp and not enough on developing any of the relationships, either between the prisoners or with the guards, no view of how the prisoners help each other to keep their resolve. I found a couple of things quite distracting: throughout his ordeal one thing stays constant - Louie's shiny hair and a stylish haircut. And there are many cheesy moments, like when the whole camp comes to a long standstill watching Louie lift the log or when Louie rises to complete the race around the camp.
A pointless show of cruelty without character development. A story told in a Hollywood fashion, missing the heart and soul and filling it with corny moments.