Unbroken

Unbroken (2014) Review: A Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Overview

Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie, is an adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand’s biography of Louis Zamperini, a U.S. Olympian and World War II bombardier. The film follows Zamperini’s harrowing journey, from surviving a plane crash and drifting at sea for 47 days to enduring brutal treatment in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps. While the movie highlights themes of endurance, forgiveness, and inner strength, its faith-based elements remain subtle, leaving viewers to piece together the deeper redemptive message.

Comprehensive Analysis

Story: 85/100 (Compelling and Gritty)

The plot captures the incredible resilience of Louis Zamperini, offering a gripping portrayal of human endurance under extreme conditions. The narrative showcases Biblical principles such as perseverance (James 1:12) and forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15). However, the movie does not fully explore Zamperini’s post-war spiritual transformation, which limits its spiritual depth. Despite some pacing issues, the story remains powerful and emotionally stirring.

Acting: 90/100 (Outstanding Performances)

Jack O’Connell delivers an exceptional performance as Louis Zamperini, embodying his physical and emotional struggles with authenticity and intensity. Miyavi, playing the ruthless prison guard known as "The Bird," provides a chilling and memorable antagonist. The supporting cast also contributes to the film’s emotional weight, offering a nuanced portrayal of camaraderie and survival.

Direction: 82/100 (Visually Arresting but Spiritually Limited)

Angelina Jolie’s direction emphasizes the physical and emotional toll of war, crafting a visually arresting and intense experience. While her focus on Zamperini’s suffering is impactful, the film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into his spiritual journey. Jolie’s approach is commendable for its cinematic quality but falls short in highlighting the redemptive power of Christ’s grace.

Cinematography: 88/100 (Striking and Immersive)

Roger Deakins’ cinematography elevates the film, capturing both the vast isolation of the Pacific Ocean and the oppressive environment of the prison camps. The stark visual contrast between freedom and captivity reinforces the film’s emotional and spiritual themes, subtly pointing to the light of hope amidst darkness.

Music: 80/100 (Emotionally Resonant)

Alexandre Desplat’s score complements the film’s emotional tone, enhancing key moments of tension and reflection. While the music supports the narrative effectively, it lacks a distinct spiritual motif that could have underscored Zamperini’s faith journey.

Faith-Based Insights

Faith Lens: 78/100 (Encouraging but Incomplete)

The film highlights values such as endurance, forgiveness, and inner strength, aligning with Biblical teachings (Romans 5:3-5). However, it stops short of fully exploring Zamperini’s transformative encounter with Christ, which was a pivotal part of his real-life story. While the epilogue briefly mentions his forgiveness ministry, a more explicit focus on his faith would have greatly enhanced its spiritual impact.

Biblically Accurate Score: 80/100 (Rooted but Missing Key Elements)

Themes of perseverance and forgiveness reflect Biblical truths, but the lack of a clear depiction of Zamperini’s faith in Christ leaves the film feeling incomplete. His eventual spiritual rebirth, inspired by attending a Billy Graham crusade, is an essential part of his story that deserved more attention.

Suggestive Themes Score: 85/100 (Brief but Contextually Justified)

The film includes a scene where two prisoners, including Zamperini, are stripped for a bath as part of their dehumanizing treatment in the POW camp. While the nudity is non-sexual and intended to highlight the brutal conditions, it may be unsettling for some viewers. The scene serves a narrative purpose but warrants caution.

Creation and Origins Score: 85/100 (God’s Hand in Creation)

The film subtly evokes awe for God’s creation, particularly during scenes on the open sea. These moments, while not explicitly tied to faith, reflect the majesty of God’s handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

Language Score: 70/100 (Moderately Clean)

Though the film contains some coarse language, it is relatively restrained given the wartime context. However, Christian audiences should be aware of occasional strong words.

Alcohol/Drug Use Score: 90/100 (Minimal and Responsible)

Alcohol is briefly shown during flashbacks to Zamperini’s time as an Olympian, but it’s neither excessive nor glorified.

Sex/Nudity Score: 85/100 (Brief and Non-Sexual)

The aforementioned scene involving nudity is handled with restraint and serves to depict the harsh realities of war. There are no sexualized elements, and the film maintains a respectful tone throughout.

Blood/Gore Score: 75/100 (Tasteful and Purposeful)

The violence and physical suffering are portrayed realistically but with restraint. These elements emphasize the cost of war and the gravity of human suffering without resorting to gratuitous gore, echoing the Biblical understanding of sacrifice and redemption (Isaiah 53:5).

Moral and Thematic Evaluation

Moral Watchpoints

The film’s intense scenes of violence, suffering, and humiliation may be difficult for younger viewers. While these elements are never gratuitous, they serve to highlight the brutal realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

Worldview Analysis: 82/100 (Christian-Centered but Incomplete)

The film’s worldview is rooted in values like forgiveness, endurance, and reconciliation. However, it falls short of explicitly presenting a Christ-centered narrative. A stronger focus on Zamperini’s faith would have deepened its spiritual resonance.

Redemptive Potential: 88/100 (Deeply Moving)

Despite its focus on suffering, the film’s ultimate message is one of hope and forgiveness. The epilogue’s mention of Zamperini’s forgiveness of his captors offers a glimpse of the Gospel’s transformative power, though this theme could have been more fully explored.

Parental Guidance

Unbroken is best suited for teens and adults due to its intense wartime violence, moments of humiliation, and themes of suffering. Parents may want to discuss the film’s portrayal of forgiveness and resilience with their children, using it as an opportunity to explore Biblical teachings on these topics.

Discussion Prompts:

1. How does Louis Zamperini’s perseverance reflect God’s sustaining power? (Isaiah 40:29-31)

2. Why is forgiveness important, even in the face of extreme injustice? (Ephesians 4:32)

3. How can we find hope and strength in God during life’s most difficult trials? (Romans 5:3-5)

Favorite Moment

The scene where Zamperini holds a heavy wooden beam above his head, despite unbearable pain and exhaustion, is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. It echoes Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Favorite Line

“If I can take it, I can make it.” This line encapsulates Zamperini’s determination and perseverance, reminding us of the Biblical call to endure trials with hope.

Skip to the Verdict

Unbroken is a visually stunning and emotionally impactful film that highlights the resilience of the human spirit. While it lacks a deeper exploration of Louis Zamperini’s faith, its message of endurance, forgiveness, and hope resonates strongly. Christian viewers will find much to admire, though they may wish for a more explicit focus on the redemptive power of Christ.

Final Scores:

• Story: 85/100

• Acting: 90/100

• Direction: 82/100

• Cinematography: 88/100

• Music: 80/100

• Faith Lens: 78/100

• Biblically Accurate Score: 80/100

• Suggestive Themes Score: 85/100

• Creation and Origins Score: 85/100

• Language Score: 70/100

• Alcohol/Drug Use Score: 90/100

• Sex/Nudity Score: 85/100

• Blood/Gore Score: 75/100

• Overall: 84/100 – Uplifting and Redemptive

If You Liked This, Try…

• Hacksaw Ridge (2016) – A powerful story of faith and courage in the midst of war.

• The Hiding Place (1975) – The inspiring true story of Corrie ten Boom’s faith during the Holocaust.

• Chariots of Fire (1981) – A film about perseverance and faith in the face of challenges.

Reflection Prompt

Reflect on James 1:12: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” How can you rely on God to persevere through life’s trials and grow in faith?