Unbroken is a movie directed by Angelina Jolie, based on a book of the same title written by Laura Hillenbrand. It is the true story of the life of Louis “Louie” Zamperini, who throughout his life was a delinquent, Olympic athlete, soldier, and prisoner of war.

Zamperini was Italian, and he grew up being teased and bullied because of his nationality. This caused him to resort to delinquent activities such as stealing and drinking. His parents were close to giving up on him and his school was growing impatient until his older brother stepped in. His brother helps train him to be a running star, and Louie finds his stride. He grows popular, confident, and stops his childhood rebellion.

As Louie’s talents grow, he runs and wins more and more races. He qualifies and runs in the 1936 Olympics, not winning any prizes but preparing himself for the 1940 Olympics which he intends to run in. However, World War Two breaks out and Louie’s plans change. He enlists in the military, and ends up in the army air corps as a bombardier.

On a rescue mission in the Pacific Ocean, Louie’s plane crashes. Only soldiers Louie, Phil, and Mac survive. They face rough seas, starvation, dehydration, and shark infested waters for forty seven days. Mac does not survive, but on day forty seven Louie and Phil get the attention of a passing by ship. It turns out to be a Japanese Naval ship. Louie is shuffled from one prisoner of war camp to another and faces the brutality of Japanese soldiers. Finally, the war ends and the prisoners of war are rescued.

Louie returns home and marries the love of his life. Still traumatized by his memories of war, he becomes an alcoholic. His wife considers divorce but decides to help Louie find God instead. Louie reconciles with his past, and goes back to Japan to meet and in person forgive the men who imprisoned him. Then, in 1998, he has the honor of carrying the Olympic torch past Naoetsu, where he was once imprisoned.

Angelina Jolie did a spectacular job in directing this movie. It stayed true to the details of Louie’s tumultuous journey and took the viewer on a rollercoaster of the gut wrenching experiences that Louie Zamperini faced. Surpluses of people have already had the joy of watching this emotion and action filled movie and I would recommend it to anyone!