Why It Ranks
Unbroken features an incredible true story that almost defies belief. O'Connell's physical commitment is impressive. The Olympic running sequences bookend a survival epic. The film grossed $163M on its remarkable subject matter.
The Film
Unbroken tells the extraordinary true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who survived 47 days adrift in the Pacific and years of brutal Japanese POW captivity during World War II. Jack O'Connell brings fierce determination to Zamperini. Angelina Jolie directs Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling book with visual polish, and the survival sequences — shark attacks, starvation, relentless torture — are harrowing.
Fun Facts
The Coen Brothers wrote the screenplay, giving the script surprising literary quality.
Jack O'Connell lost significant weight to portray Zamperini's starvation.
The real Louis Zamperini passed away at 97, just months before the film's release.
Roger Deakins served as the cinematography consultant, giving the film a visual grandeur.
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