Director: Angelina Jolie
By Alex Watson
Angelina Jolie makes an unexpected appearance behind the camera this week as she tells the story of an incredible individual. Olympic runner Louie Zamperini survived not only being stranded at sea during World War Two but also endured incredible hardship at the hands of the Japanese. His death this year at the age of 81 was the end of a life less ordinary. The story of his journey is revealed in Unbroken, but is Jolie up to the task as a director?
Louie Zamperini (Jack O'Connell) after coming to fame running in the Olympics is shot down whilst flying over the Pacific. After a difficult and life changing 47 days out in the ocean, Zamperini is captured by the Japanese. But in the POW camp, his troubles are only just beginning and commanding soldier Mutsushiro Watanabe (Miyavi) has taken a special interest in his prisoner.
Unbroken is an effort which does show some nice touches and visual flare by Angelina Jolie, but as such it is not a perfect effort. Aided by veteran cinematographer Roger Deakins' beautiful photography, her portrayal of Zamperini's struggle is one that although very honest also lacks the required charm and warmth. Starting in a thrilling fashion, we see LZ and co locked in a tense flight whilst on a bombing mission- their crashing landing alone deserves a citation! The never say die spirit is present early but it isn't enough to carry the film.
Interspersed with some flashbacks between Zamperini's tough childhood of petty crime and discrimination in Torrance, California and his impressive debut whilst running at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (where he set the fastest lap record). Jolie does shed some light on his motivation, but it doesn't feel nearly deep enough for us to feel the complete effect. The crews time adrift at sea is one area which does create a feeling of strive and whilst accompanied by his equally resolved crew mate Phil (Domnhall Gleeson) they are literally on hell in high water. The moment the Japanese ship appears to rescue them, Louie can only croak “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news…”
The scenes that show his sadistic torture by Watanabe are no doubt hard felt and the after effect is a harsh one. But there is too much over use of this particular element and although it heightens the sexual thrill that Watanabe often got from beating prisoners, it feels a step too far. Zamperini is portrayed as more than just an ordinary hero and there is a bit of gushing sentimentality which makes him out to be some kind of martyr figure for the troops which is the wrong kind of approach.
Jack O'Connell performance though is one that does succeed in carrying the film because in a physically demanding part, he is able to capture the spirit of Zamperini. After making a frightening impression in last year's Starred up, O'Connell is on the threshold of the big time and one day soon his dues will be paid. Able support is giving by the continually excellent Domnhall Gleason and Garrett Hedlund, but Japanese pop star Miyav is stranded in a disappointing one note role as the evil guard Watanabe and sadly he is reduced to almost pantomime type villany.
Unbroken is a movie that in the right hands could have been a bold and memorable story of survival, but in Jolie's hands it is only just acceptable. There are signs of life for Angelina's new calling as director and time will tell if she is due for a life behind the lens.
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