CINEMA RELEASE: UNBROKEN
Release date: 15th January 2015
Director: Angelina Jolie
Cast: Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Takamasa Ishihara, Garrett Hedlund, Jai Courtney
Classification: M (Mature Themes and Violence)
Review by Peter Gray
Telling a tale that seems too farfetched to be believed, Angelina Jolie’s directorial effort ‘Unbroken’ is an inspirational outing all the same, one that brings a sense of hope to you after you’ve left the theatre. Surrounding herself with an impressive crew that includes Joel and Ethan Coen (the duo receiving screenplay credit) and cinematographer Roger Deakins (‘Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Skyfall’, ‘Prisoners’), the film feels like it should be an instant classic, and though it doesn’t quite reach the heights it wishes to, there’s no denying what a profoundly affecting movie it is.
During World War II, Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), a former Olympic track star, is searching for a lost aircraft and its crew over the Pacific Ocean when he is shot down. Against all odds Louis, along with fellow survivors Russell Allen “Phil” Phillips (Domhnall Gleeson) and Francis “Mac” McNamara (Finn Wittrock), endures 47 days at sea on a life raft, finding sustenance in rain water, and winning the battle against the elements below (shark attacks) and above (the firing from Japanese bomber squads). This extended sequence, as horrendous as it is to view, is so enthralling and captivating that ‘Unbroken’ could’ve entirely been set around this one piece and the film would still be a success, perhaps even moreso.
Once Louis escapes the intolerant ocean, his plight only worsens as he is rescued by the Japanese Navy and placed in a POW camp where he is subjected to savage beatings and cruel taunts at the hands of Mutsushiro Watanabe aka “The Bird” (Takamasa Ishihara). This portion of the film is where events steer into the unbelievable as Watanabe’s fascination with Louis only grows more sinister over time, the horror he is subjected to becoming gradually harder to stomach the more we witness it. ‘Unbroken’ indeed earns its title through this particular course of the film but the sequences of constant abuse Louis suffers overstay their welcome with unfortunate repetition.
Jolie has crafted an ambitious film, one that is exquisitely shot and superbly acted, with Jack O’Connell delivering the kind of performance that great careers can be birthed from. He’s fuelled by a necessity to survive, and the fact that O’Connell isn’t a known name or face assists in us seeing him only as his character and not an actor portraying a role. Equally as good is Ishihara (also known as Miyavi) as the unstable Watanabe, injecting a sense of pitiful realism to the character’s threatening personality.
There’s a lot to admire here with Zamperini’s plight sure to stir an emotional response from its audience, and the performance from O’Connell is worthy of a recommendation alone even if the film overall plays a bit too long, and suffers slightly from recycling during the POW scenes with the villainous “Bird”. Ultimately ‘Unbroken’ will draw people in through Jolie’s name as director, and as she has helmed this project of passion, it’s clear she’s a filmmaker with heart and a clear vision.
My rating: 4/5
Release date: 15th January 2015
Director: Angelina Jolie
Cast: Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Takamasa Ishihara, Garrett Hedlund, Jai Courtney
Classification: M (Mature Themes and Violence)
Review by Peter Gray
Telling a tale that seems too farfetched to be believed, Angelina Jolie’s directorial effort ‘Unbroken’ is an inspirational outing all the same, one that brings a sense of hope to you after you’ve left the theatre. Surrounding herself with an impressive crew that includes Joel and Ethan Coen (the duo receiving screenplay credit) and cinematographer Roger Deakins (‘Shawshank Redemption’, ‘Skyfall’, ‘Prisoners’), the film feels like it should be an instant classic, and though it doesn’t quite reach the heights it wishes to, there’s no denying what a profoundly affecting movie it is.
During World War II, Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), a former Olympic track star, is searching for a lost aircraft and its crew over the Pacific Ocean when he is shot down. Against all odds Louis, along with fellow survivors Russell Allen “Phil” Phillips (Domhnall Gleeson) and Francis “Mac” McNamara (Finn Wittrock), endures 47 days at sea on a life raft, finding sustenance in rain water, and winning the battle against the elements below (shark attacks) and above (the firing from Japanese bomber squads). This extended sequence, as horrendous as it is to view, is so enthralling and captivating that ‘Unbroken’ could’ve entirely been set around this one piece and the film would still be a success, perhaps even moreso.
Once Louis escapes the intolerant ocean, his plight only worsens as he is rescued by the Japanese Navy and placed in a POW camp where he is subjected to savage beatings and cruel taunts at the hands of Mutsushiro Watanabe aka “The Bird” (Takamasa Ishihara). This portion of the film is where events steer into the unbelievable as Watanabe’s fascination with Louis only grows more sinister over time, the horror he is subjected to becoming gradually harder to stomach the more we witness it. ‘Unbroken’ indeed earns its title through this particular course of the film but the sequences of constant abuse Louis suffers overstay their welcome with unfortunate repetition.
Jolie has crafted an ambitious film, one that is exquisitely shot and superbly acted, with Jack O’Connell delivering the kind of performance that great careers can be birthed from. He’s fuelled by a necessity to survive, and the fact that O’Connell isn’t a known name or face assists in us seeing him only as his character and not an actor portraying a role. Equally as good is Ishihara (also known as Miyavi) as the unstable Watanabe, injecting a sense of pitiful realism to the character’s threatening personality.
There’s a lot to admire here with Zamperini’s plight sure to stir an emotional response from its audience, and the performance from O’Connell is worthy of a recommendation alone even if the film overall plays a bit too long, and suffers slightly from recycling during the POW scenes with the villainous “Bird”. Ultimately ‘Unbroken’ will draw people in through Jolie’s name as director, and as she has helmed this project of passion, it’s clear she’s a filmmaker with heart and a clear vision.
My rating: 4/5
