Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018) Reviews

• Unbroken by the Overly Critical

  nathanb-martin2018-09-15

  What makes a great film based on a true story? In my opinion, the film is great if it follows the actual story and doesn't deviate from the course that someone actually lived. Louis Zamperini is a man whose story shaped much of my teenage years and continues to influence the man I am becoming. I learned a lot of lessons from his stories. That nothing in life is ever too hard to overcome. That resiliency, faith, courage, and strength can get you through anything. That forgiveness can set you free from a dark past. And above all else, God is in control of everything and uses everything for our good, yes, even our pain. I know that not everyone believes in God, and many reject His existence. But the story Unbroken is incomplete without God in it. I, like so many others, felt empty after the first Unbroken film in 2014. While the movie was mostly accurate, it left out so many important details. The last half of Zamperini's story is summed up in a sad two sentences at the end of the film and God was swept under the rug. So once again, I like so many others felt utterly relieved when it was announced that a sequel was in the works to finish the story. I am proud to say that this movie exceeded my expectations and finished a story that much needed to be told. While what happened to Zamperini in the war was a terrible and unforgettable story, his time after the war was much darker. Louis Zamperini went from being a man unable to be broken by his captors to a survivor haunted by nightmares that leave him reduced to an alcoholic. But it is such a beautiful moment both in the book and in the movie to see Louis lay all his burdens down at the alter and become an entirely different man, free from all his pain. Again, I know that not everyone believes in God, but it was undoubtedly God that freed Louis from his own war. You cannot remove God and faith from this story and have a good movie. I feel that this movie did justice to Zamperini and his legacy.

• There's nothing like a good true-life story!

  coastdaze2018-09-15

  Before you pooh-pooh movies about a person's life changing moment, see the continuing (Unbroken) true story of one man's journey from WWII prisoner of war to healing and wholeness. This 2nd movie abut Zamperini's life story was even better than the first. The quality of production, storyline consistency and acting was perfect. It's an emotional movie for sure and some of the struggles Zamperini lived through were unknown to me. While this is a movie that is family friendly, it contains a powerful message.

• An inspirational movie, brilliantly acted and moderately directed that gives you a look at the next chapter of Zamperini's life.

  Aktham_Tashtush2018-09-23

  First of all, i loved the first movie, Jolie and Jack O'Connell did and amazing job ,, heard about this second chapter of the story and i was kinda hesitant because neither of them is in this but at the end i realized it didn't matter much ,,, as over all the movie turned out to be a really good finale. The plot, settings and script were just in a perfect harmony .. a powerful portrayal when it comes to mental illness and PTSD, the movie nailed this portrayal, bringing some traumatic flashbacks and the nightmares that tortured Louis Zamperini and presenting his coping mechanism which did not appear over-dramatic, yet it'll make you completely immersed in his struggles and have empathy for his likes ... Cast wise, Samuel Hunt did a fantastic job capturing the spirit of a man broken beyond his bonds, his portrayal of Zamperini's suffering from a number of afflictions was spot on, and he rarely overact which makes it all more real and believable. His co-star the Canadian beauty Merritt Patterson also a lovely complement to the character, being a sensational impact to help with the Zamperini's character development and bring some new dynamics to the movie. The chemistry between the two was substantial, and of course the rest of the cast did great job supporting the couple and making the project look even more enjoyable. Now to the one negative I sensed in here, directing wise, I think in so many places the movie gets a bit unnecessarily preachy, I mean I didn't read the book and I don't personally know Harold Cronk,, but i think based on his past projects " God's Not Dead" 1 and 2 and "God Bless the Broken Road " I would imagine him as a guy on a black suit knocking on my door asking me if i have time to know more about the lord and savior ... I mean we get it you love Jesus and all but personally when things get more "O lordy lord" I snore ,, and the general atmosphere slightly becomes dull, right up until it picks up when a Zamperini gets stress episode or a flashback gets in the way, i go like "thank god" ???? ... while the movie in general had a balanced style on that matter, the end of the movie crossed into that territory. However, to be fair it kinda allowed for one to appreciate the character development morally in a way, still though, i think if it was up to another director, "Angelina Jolie" for instance, it would have looked much like the first movie and it would have gotten much more buzz in the media. Final thought, It's an inspirational movie, brilliantly acted, and even though i didn't like the religious aspect, the movie looked like a solid addition to the character build up and gives the story a semi satisfactory closure ... so if you watched the first movie, why not get on with it and watch the rest of it. ????

• Ignore the Low-Raters who are trying to politicise the movie

  dawnmhudspeth2018-09-16

  This is a lovely film on many levels. Anyone rating it low is playing games. Ignore them. Enjoy the movie!

• A Review by a Christian

  cricrazy2018-09-18

  Being unapologetically Christian, I enjoyed the movie. It truly depicts the turning point in the life of Louis. The story is kind of slow but is at a decent pace. It mainly tries to demonstrate Louis's struggle with addiction and PSTD issues. But it also shows that the issues are also spiritual in nature. And only way he could overcome the demons of his past was through his faith. It has a redemptive ending. In this day and age, it is rare to see such clear representation of a person's faith journey. You will not be disappointed. Acting: 9/10 Story: 8/10 Family Friendliness: 9/10