A Very Good Tribute to a True American Hero!

Rating: 8/10 (28 December 2014)

"Unbroken" is the true story USA Olympian and World War II Prisoner of War Survivor Louis "Louie" Zamperini, portrayed wonderfully in the movie by Jack O'Connell, based on the 2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption." The film also marks the Directorial Debut for Academy Award Winning Actress, and Humanitarian Angelina Jolie. The movie traces the story of Zamperini being bullied in childhood, as a child of Italian immigrants, to his rise as a Track Star in High School, leading to him becoming an Olympian, to his service in the US Air Force in World War II, where he was eventually captured by the Japanese, and was imprisoned in different prisoner of war camps. Zamperini must overcame horrible torture and abuse by his captors to survive until war's end. The movie has been receiving mixed reviews. While I won't say it is a 4-Star Masterpiece, and I could think of what one or two things that could have made it more effective - but I liked it very much. I think the movie is a Very Good Tribute to a True American Hero. Certainly applause should go to all involved with the film for putting Zamperini's story on screen. Considering the subject matter, and the fact that it is her first time Directing, I believe Jolie deserves some praise. I am not saying she deserves a Best Directing Oscar, or the Film deserves a Best Picture Oscar, but I can say this – I was moved at film's end. 3 ¼ out of 4 Stars – 8 ½ out of 10.