Universal Pictures | Release Date: December 25, 2014
6.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 311 Ratings
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Positive:
179
Mixed:
89
Negative:
43
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8
SmoothrunnerNov 21, 2015
First of all I must admit, that I'm not a fan of Angelina Jolie. In fact, I never liked her. Moreover, after reading some negative reviews here I didn't expect much from her movie. However Zamperini's story (about whom I never heard before)First of all I must admit, that I'm not a fan of Angelina Jolie. In fact, I never liked her. Moreover, after reading some negative reviews here I didn't expect much from her movie. However Zamperini's story (about whom I never heard before) interested me, so I decided to spend couple of hours of my life watching "Unbroken".

And I was really surprised - first hour of the movie is wonderful, both visually and substantively. I felt effect of presence in depicted scenes - in the bomber, falling apart from fighters fire, under the scorching sun on a raft with starving men lost in the Pacific Ocean. Second movie's part failed to hold the level. It is still well made, but something was missed there - some intensity or nerve - yet "it" was found again near the end of the movie. And it shed light on why the Bird refused to met Zamperini again. In the end, the one who was broken, was "breaker" Watanabe, not his victim. It was the Bird, who didn't dare to watch in Zamperini's eyes. Good point from Jolie and new, practical perspective on Christian doctrine of forgiveness. Well, where credit is due it must be given. So credit to Jolie.
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2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
AaronMJan 6, 2015
This movie definitely deserves a positive review. It's a mixture of everything good: It relateable on a historical level, personal level, emotional and spiritual level. I won't say more, but that the movie is worth seeing.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
TheQuietGamerMay 12, 2015
Angelina shows real talent in her second film as director. Based on the true events surrounding Louie Zampirini during WW2, "Unbroken" acts a testament to human strength and willpower. It shows that even during the worst of scenarios so longAngelina shows real talent in her second film as director. Based on the true events surrounding Louie Zampirini during WW2, "Unbroken" acts a testament to human strength and willpower. It shows that even during the worst of scenarios so long as one can persevere they can overcome. Or, as the film puts it, "if you can take it you can make it."

The horror of his captivity in a Japanese POW camp as well as the hopelessness of being lost at sea. It's resourcefulness and shear strength that kept him going and it's just uplifting to watch. It doesn't show anything about how these events effected him after the war. Instead it chooses to focus on the more empowering aspects of his story.

What might be Jolie's biggest success with this movie is in the casting of newcomer Jack O'Connell as the lead. He might not show the necessary emotions during some of the earlier scenes, but as the events kick off we see him play a character who is weary and withered, but somehow still strong to near-perfection.

It's a war drama that takes place during a familiar period, but still manages to be fresh and enjoyable thanks to a great story. Some might find disappointment in the fact that it doesn't capture all of the man's life, but if you keep in mind this is meant to be both a biographical movie as well as one meant for entertaining a wider audience then you should still enjoy it.

I give "Unbroken" a 9.2/10.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
LowbrowCinemaJan 18, 2015
After a relatively slow and uninteresting start, that is both trite and dull, UNBROKEN really takes off and becomes quite a stunner. The film does something so rare--combining the horror of war as experienced by it's victims and theAfter a relatively slow and uninteresting start, that is both trite and dull, UNBROKEN really takes off and becomes quite a stunner. The film does something so rare--combining the horror of war as experienced by it's victims and the victimization of it's villains. This brutal film, does an astonishing job of depicting both the courage of man and our petty evil. Angelina Jolie has made a fine and complex film that seems glossy and "Hollywood" on the surface but is actually something quite different underneath. Like Jolie's first film, THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY, there is a humanity so strong it will haunt you. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
horcrux2007Nov 11, 2015
The non-fiction novel Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is an incredibly riveting, moving biography of Olympian and prisoner-of-war Louis Zamperini that I believe is an important book to read. Naturally, aThe non-fiction novel Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption is an incredibly riveting, moving biography of Olympian and prisoner-of-war Louis Zamperini that I believe is an important book to read. Naturally, a movie based on the book was inevitable; the film adaptation does do its subject justice, even if it's only sporadically compelling. Unbroken is a bio-pic about the life of Louie Zamperini in World War II, whose bomber plane was shot down, and he was forced to survive on a raft for 47 days. He was then captured by the Japanese and placed in various camps for over two years, where he was severely abused until he was rescued at the end of the war. There are a lot of great things about Unbroken: the spectacular cinematography, breakout performances from the entire cast, an explosive opening act and some genuinely moving scenes throughout the rest of the film. Angelina Jolie directs the film in a surprisingly graceful way. Despite some obviously unpleasant war scenes present in the film, Unbroken is a beautiful movie to look at. An opportunity that the film misses, however, is the effects of the war on Louie. His battle with alcoholism and PTSD is never mentioned in the film, and although it would have made the movie longer than it already is (137 minutes), there should have been an emphasis on those ideas. Even if it doesn't resonate as strongly as it should, Unbroken is compelling enough to do justice to its subject matter and a must-watch if yo're a fan of World War II movies. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
DCEdmondsApr 2, 2015
"Unbroken" 10 Scale Rating: 7.0 (Good) ...

The Good: An interesting true story that is well acted. Jack O'Connell was especially great in bringing former Olympian turned POW, Louie Zamperini, to the big screen. From happy-go-lucky, to
"Unbroken" 10 Scale Rating: 7.0 (Good) ...

The Good: An interesting true story that is well acted. Jack O'Connell was especially great in bringing former Olympian turned POW, Louie Zamperini, to the big screen. From happy-go-lucky, to broken, to resilient and defiant ... O'Connell runs the gamut of emotions and pulls it off brilliantly. Assisting O'Connell along the way is a great cast. Domhnall, Garrett Hedlund, and Miyavi were fantastic.

The Bad: Unfortunately, the film starts to buckle under it;s own weight. Just over halfway through, it slows to a crawl and becomes far less interesting. I was less fascinated with the story at this point and found myself just wanting to skip to the film's conclusion. It's a shame too because this is where the story itself should have really taken off ... but it didn't.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
LadanyeJan 4, 2015
All right,
I'm going to write this as joe/Jo moviegoer. I thought it was a really good film. The movie followed the book pretty well and thus it told a great story. I don't understand some critics comment on Ms Jolie concentrating too much
All right,
I'm going to write this as joe/Jo moviegoer. I thought it was a really good film. The movie followed the book pretty well and thus it told a great story. I don't understand some critics comment on Ms Jolie concentrating too much on cruelty--that's a large part of what Zamperini's experience is about . I was never bored during this long movie. In the theater in which I saw the movie, the audience spontaneously applauded at the end. So if you're an average moviegoer like me, you'll probably enjoy the movie.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
RIDERCHIJan 10, 2015
I was very moved by the film and came out of the theator in tears. I thought of my father and the veterans he would meet for coffee in the morning and swap war stories. I understand now. Those veterans shared with each other things thatI was very moved by the film and came out of the theator in tears. I thought of my father and the veterans he would meet for coffee in the morning and swap war stories. I understand now. Those veterans shared with each other things that they were reluctant to share with others who could not understand. My only concern was that the hair and beards rarely grew! I would think their heads would be shaved in a POW camp because of lice. But the emaciation of the actors was powerful! Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
DokaluJun 23, 2015
When I heard that this film was directed by Angelina Jolie, I had my doubts about how good it could get to be, knowing her much more for being an actress than a director. But when I finally watched, all my doubts were erased, because thisWhen I heard that this film was directed by Angelina Jolie, I had my doubts about how good it could get to be, knowing her much more for being an actress than a director. But when I finally watched, all my doubts were erased, because this movie is pretty good. It tells the true story of a young man that, being an Olympic athlete, was caught and retained as a war prisoner by Japan in the World War II; and all the things that he had to put up to being there.
Now, first, the acting was fantastic. The main character really did his job pretty well, but not only him, but everyone in the movie had an incredible performance. The film is beautifully shot, has some nice special effects when necessary, and it actually is very realistic in many aspects. Though, some scenes that were supposed to be really fascinating were actually slow. The reason of this is the fact that in some parts, this movie lacks of a very good soundtrack. I didn’t really like this, but it doesn’t happen for a very big part of the entire runtime.
Angelina Jolie didn’t disappoint me, she really showed that she is director material and I hope she keeps directing movies like this one. It has its flaws, but in general the story is great, very well told.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
JPJJan 17, 2015
A very competent movie that takes you through the endurance and resilience required to survive. Very well shot and smooth editing. Maybe a bit long but ultimately achieves its goal.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
GbubrickJan 25, 2015
Book was very captivating. Movie not so much. Way too much time spent with Japanese beating the daylights out of the hero. Over and over again. Very patriotic, but, very tedious.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
horizonbtsSep 12, 2015
I have heard so much about this movie, I finally took the time to sit down and watch it as it is rather long. Although that being said the length didn't bother me as I thought you needed the full amount of time to tell the story and do trueI have heard so much about this movie, I finally took the time to sit down and watch it as it is rather long. Although that being said the length didn't bother me as I thought you needed the full amount of time to tell the story and do true life justice. For me we we all know stories of incredible human endurance, but this one will rank up there in the top of your mind. To know actual events like this took place throughout the course of history blows ones mind. If you haven't seen this one I would recommend setting aside an evening and taking in this historic and epic movie. For me it hit on all cylinders, being well written, acted, and directed, as I had heard Ms. Angelina Jolie had done her homework and it shows in the movie! Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
jgray232Feb 2, 2015
This is a great movie. If you enjoy old fashion movies you will like this. It has long scenes and very intense ones. It helps put what it was like in this war in perspective. since its only pg-13 they couldnt really show what it was like overThis is a great movie. If you enjoy old fashion movies you will like this. It has long scenes and very intense ones. It helps put what it was like in this war in perspective. since its only pg-13 they couldnt really show what it was like over there but they did a good job. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
stacynelsonApr 11, 2015
It's hard to watch the brutality of war but it's films like this that helps us to see the sacrifices that others have made for our country. I thought the film was beautiful done and I'm grateful that Laura and Angelina have taken the time toIt's hard to watch the brutality of war but it's films like this that helps us to see the sacrifices that others have made for our country. I thought the film was beautiful done and I'm grateful that Laura and Angelina have taken the time to shared their talents and keep the story alive. The film made me feel proud that I can walk free in a country with so many great Americans. I purchased the DVD and I also enjoyed watching the clip about Louie's life and his interview. I will be buying a copy of the DVD for all of my family. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Epik_NinnjaMay 25, 2015
It's a story of survival. Survival thorugh the worst of the worst. Yes, it's slow-paced, and no, there aren't a lot of key events that happen in this movie, and no, there isn't really any action in it. It's based on a true story and the storyIt's a story of survival. Survival thorugh the worst of the worst. Yes, it's slow-paced, and no, there aren't a lot of key events that happen in this movie, and no, there isn't really any action in it. It's based on a true story and the story feels accurately portrayed, or ralistic, not to say that I know the differences between it and the movie based on it. It's worth a watch if you're okay with slow movies. You'll hate the antagonist and pity the protagonist by the end for sure. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
beingryanjudeDec 28, 2014
As Americans, we are drawn to bravery, courage and heroism. Louis Zamperini has each of these. Angelina Jolie, along with a stellar group of writers, vividly show us how he kept his strength and determination even at the lowest points of hisAs Americans, we are drawn to bravery, courage and heroism. Louis Zamperini has each of these. Angelina Jolie, along with a stellar group of writers, vividly show us how he kept his strength and determination even at the lowest points of his life. Jack O'Connell gives one of the best breakthrough performances in some time. Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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10
SamDuffreyDec 27, 2014
Unbroken is my favorite book ever, so I really didn't expect (my expectations were low.to love the movie.) But I did. I can say that the film exceeded my expectations, and I’m glad that it did. I think you should see it. Really great movie,Unbroken is my favorite book ever, so I really didn't expect (my expectations were low.to love the movie.) But I did. I can say that the film exceeded my expectations, and I’m glad that it did. I think you should see it. Really great movie, stunning cast. Expand
7 of 9 users found this helpful72
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10
KingofspinDec 27, 2014
Shows what the deep hearted love of a family and a physically healthy body can endure so that the mind doesn't snap. Zamperini's heart and body pulled him through and shut out his mind from the incredible daily pain. That comes across in thisShows what the deep hearted love of a family and a physically healthy body can endure so that the mind doesn't snap. Zamperini's heart and body pulled him through and shut out his mind from the incredible daily pain. That comes across in this movie very strongly, he says as much when they first get on the dinghy. The actor, Miyavi , playing the 'Bird' could be up for for best supporting actor Oscar. Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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10
ledaumasDec 27, 2014
It took 55 years to get this movie done, and it took a woman to do it. The movie affects you strongly, if you have empathy. I understood the flashbacks. It reinforced what made Louis cope with his many bad situations. The bad reviews have toIt took 55 years to get this movie done, and it took a woman to do it. The movie affects you strongly, if you have empathy. I understood the flashbacks. It reinforced what made Louis cope with his many bad situations. The bad reviews have to do with a story that not everyone thinks needs to be told, unless more of the bad stuff is left out, which it can't be. It's a story about what the human spirit can endure. Most of us can't take it. That's the point of the story, and some people don't get it. Expand
6 of 9 users found this helpful63
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9
TickJan 25, 2015
This movie was quite good. It ends at the end of the war, and that's where this movie should have ended. Some people wanted to delve into the guys aftermath where he battled alcoholism and all that stuff, but that would have made this movie 6This movie was quite good. It ends at the end of the war, and that's where this movie should have ended. Some people wanted to delve into the guys aftermath where he battled alcoholism and all that stuff, but that would have made this movie 6 hours long, and no one in their right mind would have sat through a movie that was all that.

This movie was a good movie and is worth seeing. Angelina Jolie did a great job as this was her first movie. You can't tell. It was excellent.
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
BrianMcCriticJan 1, 2015
A film that looks great and is well worth your time. There were some moments that were inspiring, but many times I felt the film was lacking the soul that the source material was going for. In the end this is a good film that I wanted to beA film that looks great and is well worth your time. There were some moments that were inspiring, but many times I felt the film was lacking the soul that the source material was going for. In the end this is a good film that I wanted to be great. B+ Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
googolendtimesDec 29, 2014
"Unbroken" tells a true story worth commemorating. It's ambitious, passionate, harrowing, often rousing and immaculate filmmaking, directed with vigour by Angelina Jolie, well-acted (particularly by Jack O'Connell and Miyavi; their"Unbroken" tells a true story worth commemorating. It's ambitious, passionate, harrowing, often rousing and immaculate filmmaking, directed with vigour by Angelina Jolie, well-acted (particularly by Jack O'Connell and Miyavi; their interactions are mesmerising) and gorgeously shot by cinematography veteran Roger Deakins. It would have benefited from a more in-depth treatment and picking up the pace a little, but the film is certainly not a bore (at least not in my opinion) and it is most certainly worth watching. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
UdhoopDec 29, 2014
The "critics" can shove it where the sun don't shine. I don't understand how you give a movie based on the real life events of an American hero a bad rating. Do yourself a favor and see this movie. Kuddos to Jolie for creating a movie in theThe "critics" can shove it where the sun don't shine. I don't understand how you give a movie based on the real life events of an American hero a bad rating. Do yourself a favor and see this movie. Kuddos to Jolie for creating a movie in the spirit of Louie himself. I don't recall a curse word in this movie which is remarkable in and of itself. Is there violence...yes but no where NEAR what we see in the likes of other movies. If you've seen Saving Private Ryan you can see this as it doesn't even come remotely close to that. Most of the violent nature is insinuated and not really show (i.e. they will show The Bird swinging a cane but won't actually show him making contact). This movie is a must see for the story of it. Surviving 40+ days at sea followed by years of abuse in a POW camp is unthinkable to me and just makes one realize exactly how amazing the soldiers of the great world wars were! I gave it a 9 only because I could have sat another 15 minutes and enjoyed a little more on his life after the war. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
nataliya3845Jan 13, 2015
An eye opening and captivating movie, Unbroken is a true story that really makes you think about human race on a deeper level, check it out i personal really enjoyed it and i know you will too.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
kataghaway67Dec 27, 2014
I have to wonder if the critics were shown a different film? Or is this just the annual SLAM Angelina Jolie event. Any real negatives on this piece are down to the screenwriters . all four of them. IMO it is a stunning and top-notch film!
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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8
analogkid280Dec 28, 2014
Typical Oscar bait. It is a good adventure though. Well thought out and executed with great visuals. I found the "Where are they now" text at the end of the movie to be the most interesting part though. I would of wanted to see that movie instead.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
lukechristianscJan 1, 2015
I never thought that academy award winner Angelina Jolie can direct a magnificent dark true story into a major motion picture. Jolie directs her second film, however i did not see her first gut-wrenching film " In the land of blood and honey"I never thought that academy award winner Angelina Jolie can direct a magnificent dark true story into a major motion picture. Jolie directs her second film, however i did not see her first gut-wrenching film " In the land of blood and honey" but she gets back into the war genre and directs it so beautifully. Her directorial debut was not a success on Metacritic or Rotten Tomatoes also metacritic users but she won awards. But this movie however isn't like her first film, its like the under ratted version of it though. I have been reading the novel of Unbroken (Louie Zamperini's story) but to be honest the story kinda bored me a little bit but it is has it's entertaining moments. Jack O' Connell as Louie is a shockingly good and outstanding performance and so as Miyavi's devilish performance as Wannabe. This film and This true story shocked me and haunted me throughout and it's entertaining vibe and Jolie gives that to the movie goer. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
plainawesomeJan 10, 2015
Over all, it was quite an excellent movie. I really enjoyed watching it. Although the only thing wrong with it is that it feels too short. They mainly focused on when his bomber crashed and his life as a PoW. They didn't show much of his lifeOver all, it was quite an excellent movie. I really enjoyed watching it. Although the only thing wrong with it is that it feels too short. They mainly focused on when his bomber crashed and his life as a PoW. They didn't show much of his life pre-WW2, and they barely showed any of his life after it. I definitely would see this movie easily being 3 or even 4 hours long if they focused more on his life out of the war, when he was growing up to build some sort of background and extra feelings for the protagonist, and really feel sorry for him and his family when he went MIA. Also, when he returned and how he lived his life as a war hero with all the fame. It was an excellent movie, but not perfect. Expand
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8
james417Oct 12, 2015
Treads over familiar waters that still inspire and despite its flaws is a solid piece of work by its director.

Watch this movie for free http://www.watchfree.to/watch-2a0f06-Unbroken-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
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10
BramStockerDec 25, 2014
It's handsomely mounted, well-cast, it looks so great . and it certainly conveys a true story worth telling. cinematographer Roger Deakins is exellent.
9 of 20 users found this helpful911
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10
busbfranJan 14, 2015
Unbroken fires all cylinders onto the audience to mount a sense of discomfort. The shocking truth and amazing direction leaves me amazed that 2015 has already delivered the goods. Unbroken stands above many in it's genre and provides viewersUnbroken fires all cylinders onto the audience to mount a sense of discomfort. The shocking truth and amazing direction leaves me amazed that 2015 has already delivered the goods. Unbroken stands above many in it's genre and provides viewers with a deep hearten story that is sure to give you shivers down your spin. To top it off the excellent cast forms a overall movie of the year materiel and ensures us war never changes! Unbroken is your go to block buster of 2015. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
HaithamBJan 7, 2015
It is Extraordinary! Angelina Jolie is taking the world by the storm with this directorial effort; Unbroken indeed has that Clint Eastwood-Steven Spielberg sense of direction, clearly Angie has been taking notes.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
JanewhistlerDec 31, 2014
I have to admit, no matter what movie Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt star or produce, we will go see it. All of us who like their movies are helping so many people in need because of Angelina's and Brad's causes. Who better to support? HoweverI have to admit, no matter what movie Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt star or produce, we will go see it. All of us who like their movies are helping so many people in need because of Angelina's and Brad's causes. Who better to support? However so far, all of their movies are worth watching because they're inspirational and teach us lessons in humanity. As to "Unbroken," this gives us a hero. Most of us could not withstand what Louis went through. We would love it if there's a "Part Two." This would be about everything else Louis did that was not mentioned in the movie as strongly as his suffering was. That Louis misbehaved a lot, yet achieved redemption. That's another side of the same story. Movies need drama to make them interesting, so I know Angelina focused on what affects people, the drama. But we'd still like to see part 2 even if it doesn't have as much drama. It could almost be a comedy because Louis was quite a character. Expand
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7
MattBrady99Mar 10, 2015
If I Can Take It, I Can Make It. True words of wisdom right they.

Unbroken is a true story about a Olympian and war hero Louis "Louie" Zamperini played by (Jack O'Connell) who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days
If I Can Take It, I Can Make It. True words of wisdom right they.

Unbroken is a true story about a Olympian and war hero Louis "Louie" Zamperini played by (Jack O'Connell) who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII-only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

Unbroken is directed by the Oscar wining actress Angelina Jolie, and this isn't the first she directed a film, yeah she directed one Documentary I think and she also did a film called "In the Land of Blood and Honey", and what I heard these two films she did (Even the Documentary) was slammed and hated by everyone. I haven't really seen those two films (And I never will) but now she directs Unbroken and I can safely say that this movie was... okay. Not amazing. Not bad, just a simple okay. I know it's not very inspiring words "it's Okay", but I being really honest here. If you ask me in person what I thought of this movie, I will say "It's okay".

The Good: 2014 was the year for amazing cinematography and this movie has some gorgeous Cinematography. It's the same guy who did the Cinematography for Skyfall and this guy knows he to make my eyes melt every time I watch a film and his doing the Cinematography. There was many times where I said to myself "How the hell did there get that shot", I know they used CG for some parts but for the parts that they didn't was CG was truly Oscar worthy Cinematography.

Jack O'Connell is a true rising star so far in his career. In this movie he deliverers a fantastic and heart hitting performance and I like the fact that he showed all the pain, sadness and tiredness in his eyes in this movie, that made me feel sorry for this guy. Jack O'Connell played Louis Zamperinin so terrifically well that I wonder what else he's doing next after this because I what to see this guy in other films.

Now let's talk about Angelina Jolie taking the directors chair. I know for a fact that Jolie had full respect for Louis. I sawed it photos and interviews, how she looked up to this man has her inspiration, and she directed this movie pretty good if I must say. She didn't directed this movie in a way that it feels to much like a Hollywood cash grab, no I can look at this movie and call it a war film and that's that. Unbroken to me might be a step up from Jolie directing career. I would love to see more from her directing skills and I bet she got a lot of hate and that must be really hard for her, but Louis Zamperinin once said "Never give up. No matter what".

Now for the problems: Louis Zamperinin is a inspiring person who has been through hell most of his life and the fact that this guy kept going is truly remarkable, but in this movie he was just came off as a tough son of a b*tch and not really inspiring in a way that Louis was. The Prison camp in this movie wasn't really all that effective at all. Japanese prison in real life back then was a lot brutal and effectively shocking, but in this it wasn't and it would be more powerful if Louis stood out from the rest and became a leader to those jailed soldiers.

Overall Unbroken may have a lot of problems with it's pasting and slow scenes, but the movie has good directing, terrific performance from Jack O'Connell and beautifully Cinematography.
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8
MadMaxFuryRoadMay 23, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You will basically know the result/ending of he movie from the title. Yet, Unbroken is still a powerful war-drama movie that touched me for days. The movie was a bit intense for a PG-13 movie. Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021
This is a biographical historical drama and it features themes including survival, training and imprisonment. Another key term I'd use is endurance. Its a somewhat apt film, in as much as it depicts a son of an immigrant family, who had aThis is a biographical historical drama and it features themes including survival, training and imprisonment. Another key term I'd use is endurance. Its a somewhat apt film, in as much as it depicts a son of an immigrant family, who had a relatively tough time growing up and wanted to prove his worth and talent. The film opens with a scene depicting planes firing at one another, i.e. an air battle, above the sea, although as a viewer it's rather unclear what's going on as its a bit long-winded and we haven't been introduced to Louis yet. I felt it did well at portraying Louis struggles the highs and obviously lows of his situations.

I found it a little frustrating how it seemed to cut between different times in Louis life, chronologically speaking. There are scenes of him running, training for the Olympics etc. and scenes of people trying to trace his crashed plane in the ocean. The film is fairly long at 2 hours and 17 minutes running time (or thereabouts) and I felt that some scenes were perhaps a bit unnecessarily long-winded, although I wouldn't say it ruined the film for me as such. Some scenes I found quite gripping, with good use of cinematography such as when the plane crash lands, seeing the descent as if looking from within the plane towards the ocean itself, I almost wanted to look away as it did seem quite scary for some moments - understandably so! if anything, it was a little disorientating and may not be great for anyone who suffers from motion sickness. The fact it's based on a true story made it all the more intriguing for me, as I like to watch some films about peoples lives, to try and get an idea of how things were in the past, although I knew this would be a (for the most part) rather unsettling and grisly/harrowing watch, as I knew before seeing it, that Louis ended up a prisoner of war. The fact that this was/is Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, that piqued my interest enough to want to give it a watch. I found it relatively engrossing, the desperation of the crew while stuck on a dinghy at sea seeming very realistic and compelling somehow. Content-wise, the film contains many instances of moderate violence, including bloody violence. Of course, due to the plot, torture plays a part and it is often quite grim to watch. There are also scenes of partial nudity and characters are shown clearly partly emaciated, skinny and with their ribcages partly visible. There is the occasional use of moderately strong language and fairly obviously derogatory terms used regarding Americans, the Japanese etc. The film is generally quite grim and thus may be a tough watch. It's fairly depressing in tone at times, so it certainly won't appeal to all. The film has been given a 15 rating in light of this.

I felt that, if anything, it may have been better if we'd had more insight into Louis upbringing, more scenes of his issues during his childhood and the like. I definitely did feel sorry for him but in a way, I felt that perhaps we didn't quite know enough about him personally to feel as emotionally attached to, or worried about, him as we might be. Having said that, the film has quite a long-running time as it is (no pun intended, given his talent at running!).

As far as the accuracy of the plot, or the film in general, is concerned (given it claims to be based on a true story) I can't be sure of quite how accurate it is. Its an adaptation of a non-fiction book written by Laura Hillenbrand back in 2010. The film screenplay was written by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen, plus Richard LaGravenese and William Nicholson. There are always complaints from people about such historical, war-related films coming out of America being somewhat biased to America, although this film is far more centred in on the brutality of Japanese people running prisoner of war (POW) camps. Obviously I've no experience of this or ability to comment either way about it but I imagine that both nations have done quite grim things at times, so I suppose that's all I can say really.

Would I recommend it? Overall, yes I probably would recommend this. I don't think I'd say its one of the best war-related films of all time or anything like that and I do feel that the main character needed a bit of extra development somehow but I did find it pretty engrossing and atmospheric.
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8
MosquetaJul 16, 2022
Me gustó mucho, no soy alguien que vea películas con respecto a la guerra, pero esta está muy bien lograda, y su historia y desarrollo son increíbles. Gran final para una historia real.
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10
Jesus_SavesMar 23, 2023
A phenomenal true story about Louie Zampirini. I love how it shows the brutality of the Japanese, which has unfortunately been ignored and downplayed from certain perspectives of history. It shows the strength of the men who had to endureA phenomenal true story about Louie Zampirini. I love how it shows the brutality of the Japanese, which has unfortunately been ignored and downplayed from certain perspectives of history. It shows the strength of the men who had to endure unimaginable difficulties and came out of it legends. A truly great and historically accurate movie. Expand
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9
Rizwan19Dec 11, 2021
Revenge is natural but to hold on, endure it , let it pass and finally forgive them while looking in thier eyes is triumph. It needs courage, determination, endurance and hell lot of patience but yes it can be done. This movie teaches theRevenge is natural but to hold on, endure it , let it pass and finally forgive them while looking in thier eyes is triumph. It needs courage, determination, endurance and hell lot of patience but yes it can be done. This movie teaches the same in a beautiful way and the story telling is amazing. The guy in lead role ihas phenomenal acting skill and has done amazing job. While all ohter co stars have have done thier part in perfect way. The movie is emotional, motivational, survival and war prisioners survival. It's must watch. Expand
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