Unbroken Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A delinquent kid becomes an Olympian, then crashes his plane, floats on a raft, and gets tortured by a rockstar with a cane until the war ends, mostly focusing on the caning.

🍿 Unbroken: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Olympic Dreams

The film opens with flashbacks to Louis Zamperini’s childhood in Torrance, California. He is portrayed as a rebellious troublemaker who is eventually channeled into running by his older brother, Pete. Pete recognizes Louie’s natural speed and encourages him to train, leading him to excel in track and field.

The 1936 Berlin Olympics

Louie’s dedication earns him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Though he doesn’t win a medal in his event, the 5000 meters, he finishes strong and gains the respect of Adolf Hitler for his impressive final lap. This segment highlights his determination and resilience, foreshadowing his later struggles.

World War II and Plane Crash

With the outbreak of World War II, Louie enlists in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He becomes a bombardier on a B-24 Liberator. During a mission to rescue a downed crew, his plane, nicknamed ‘The Green Hornet,’ malfunctions and crashes into the Pacific Ocean.

Survival at Sea

Louie, along with two other crew members, Phil and Mac, survive the crash and find themselves adrift in a life raft. They endure harrowing conditions, battling starvation, dehydration, and shark attacks. Mac succumbs to the elements, leaving Louie and Phil to continue their desperate struggle.

Captured by the Japanese

After 47 days at sea, Louie and Phil are captured by the Japanese Navy. They are taken to a prisoner-of-war camp where they face brutal treatment and inhumane conditions. This marks the beginning of Louie’s prolonged period of suffering and resilience.

The Bird

At the POW camp, Louie encounters a particularly sadistic prison guard named Mutsuhiro Watanabe, known as ‘The Bird.’ Watanabe singles Louie out for special torment, subjecting him to relentless physical and psychological abuse. The Bird seems driven by a personal vendetta against Louie’s spirit and Olympic fame.

Enduring the Unendurable

Louie faces numerous trials, including forced labor, starvation, and torture. Despite the constant abuse, he refuses to break and maintains his dignity. His resilience inspires his fellow prisoners and enrages Watanabe. He is moved from camp to camp facing constant mistreatment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell): An Olympic runner and WWII bombardier who endures harrowing experiences as a castaway and prisoner of war, demonstrating incredible resilience.
• Watanabe (Miyavi): A sadistic Japanese corporal, also known as ‘The Bird’, who relentlessly torments Louis Zamperini in the POW camp.
• Phil (Domhnall Gleeson): The pilot and a close friend of Louis, who survives the plane crash and shares the hardships of being stranded and imprisoned.
• Mac (Finn Wittrock): A crew member who survives the plane crash with Louis and Phil, but succumbs to the harsh conditions while adrift at sea.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Older Pete: “If you can take it, you can make it.” – This was his brother’s mantra and advice to Louie, spurring his early success and later resilience during the war.
• Louis Zamperini: “I made a deal with God. If he saved me, I’d serve him forever.” – Said during a treacherous storm at sea, indicating his commitment to faith during the darkest moments.
• Watanabe: “I will break you.” – The Bird says this to Zamperini when they first meet, setting the stage for their intense and brutal conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $65,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $115,637,895
• Worldwide Gross: $161,459,297

💥 Unbroken Reviews

Personal Review

I was really excited to see this movie, because it’s a story of such a legend. The book was awesome. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. I think the movie glossed over the post-war struggles that were such a big part of Zamperini’s life. Sure, the survival scenes were intense, but I wish it showed more of the man beneath the suffering.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of survival and resilience”
  • “Those who appreciate biographical films”
  • “Audiences seeking inspirational war stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense war violence”
  • “Scenes of torture and abuse”
  • “Some graphic imagery”
  • “Thematic elements related to PTSD”

Professional Reviews

• Awards Circuit: “Angelina Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’ is inspiring and emotionally resonant, telling the story of a man who fought against impossible odds to survive. Jack O’Connell and Miyavi deliver star-making performances. However, the screenplay has hiccups, and the last quarter feels rushed. Jolie shows skill as a filmmaker, but a longer director’s cut might feel more complete.
• N/A: “Unbroken is a well-made film that is not quite as inspiring as it should be. Some moments fall flat and Jolie does not show enough of Zamperini’s struggle and redemption after the war. The torture scenes are violent, but don’t invoke any emotion.
• N/A: “With Jack O’Connell in the lead, Unbroken is a compelling, but ultimately bland story. The film suffers from not expanding on character growth.

Audience Reactions

Jack O’Connell’s performance as Louis Zamperini was widely praised for its dedication and emotion.: Viewers were moved by the true story of survival and resilience against incredible odds.

Overall Consensus: While visually impressive and featuring strong performances, ‘Unbroken’ is considered by many to be a somewhat sanitized and emotionally distant adaptation of a truly inspiring story.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The real Louis Zamperini passed away on July 2, 2014, but he was able to watch a rough cut of the film on director Angelina Jolie’s laptop while in the hospital before he passed.”
• “The Coen Brothers contributed to the screenplay, bringing their signature style to the film’s dialogue and narrative structure.”
• “During filming, Jack O’Connell and Domhnall Gleeson lost a significant amount of weight to realistically portray the effects of starvation and hardship experienced by Zamperini and his fellow soldiers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Unbroken?

Unbroken is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available at major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Unbroken, you might like these similar films:

• The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957): Both films depict the brutal conditions and psychological impact of Japanese POW camps during World War II.
• Life of Pi (2012): This movie shares the theme of survival against overwhelming odds and the spiritual journey of a character adrift at sea.
• Flags of Our Fathers (2006): Flags of Our Fathers is a companion piece to Letters from Iwo Jima (also released in 2006) and tells the story of the men who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima from the American perspective.
• The Revenant (2015): Shares the themes of extreme survival, resilience, and endurance in the face of brutal conditions and relentless adversity.
• Rescue Dawn (2006): An American pilot’s experiences as a prisoner of war in Vietnam

🛒 Unbroken Related Products

• Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand: The bestselling book that inspired the movie, offering a deeper dive into Louis Zamperini’s life and experiences. Includes additional details and insights not present in the film.
• World War II: The Definitive Visual History from D-Day to V-E Day: A visual history of WWII, including images of actual POW camps and stories from real veterans. It is a resource to understanding WWII, which is where the movie takes place.
• Tamiya 1/48 Scale WWII US Bomber Crew Set: 1/48 scale collectible model kit of a WWII Bomber. With detailed instructions. A piece of military history.
• Survivor Filter Pro – Tested 0.07 Micron Water Filter: A portable water filter, a nod to the survival theme of ‘Unbroken.’ Useful for camping, hiking, and emergency situations.

🎧 Soundtrack

Unbroken features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Miracles” – performed by Coldplay

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Japanese Unit 731.😢 #shorts

Get a glimpse into the chilling world of Unbroken with this official clip showcasing the notorious Unit 731. Prepare to be captivated by the film’s historical accuracy and intense drama.

Unbroken | Aircraft with No Hydraulics or Brakes

Thrill-seekers, brace yourselves! This extended preview from Unbroken takes you on a heart-pounding journey as the crew faces a perilous situation with no hydraulics or brakes. Don’t miss out on this adrenaline-fueled clip!

Unbroken | Filming the Plank Scene | Bonus Clip

Dive into the world of Unbroken like never before! This bonus clip takes you behind the scenes of the unforgettable plank scene, revealing the dedication and hard work that went into creating this powerful moment.

Angelina Jolie’s “Unbroken”: Behind The Scenes Interviews | NBC News

Go behind the lens with the stars of Unbroken! This interview gives you exclusive insights into the cast’s experiences, their preparation for their roles, and their personal connections to the film’s message of resilience.

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