Sometimes, there are movies that you can admire and respect. Especially when you think it’s a story worth being told. ‘Unbroken’ is a film that I think good things deserved to be said about it, but at the same time, I will say that I did not particularly enjoy this movie nor did I feel inspired, which is what I think the intention of the film was. Angelina Jolie is known for her dark visions of human suffering in her films and this one is no exception. It feels like she is trying to inspire people by illustrating survival in the most inhumane conditions, but instead of being inspiring and uplifting, the film drains the spirit and the payoff is not enough to compensate for a film that takes about 45 minutes too long dwelling on the suffering of a prisoner of war.
The story showcases the true story of Olympian Louis Zamperini (played by Jack O’Connell), who was shot down over the South Pacific in World War II. After surviving 47 days afloat at sea, he is found by the Japanese who intern him in a Japanese concentration camp run by a sadistic commandant know to the prisoners as ‘The Bird’ (Takamasa Ishihara). Jolie does a skillful job developing a portrait of the life of Zampernini, steeped in rich 1930’s Americana. A troubled youth from an immigrant family who went on to represent our country in the Olympics, we invest ourselves emotionally in Louis as he represents the American spirit of yesteryear. The times spent exploring this part of his life was the most rewarding part of the film. Unfortunately, the film dwells on his trials at sea and as a POW much longer than it should have. I realize that the film is about the indomitable human spirit and the ability of this extraordinary man to survive conditions that would break most, but as I stated earlier, it goes on way to long. The extended scenes of physical and mental torture become an exercise in morbid voyeurism which eventually breaks the viewer. By the time we are supposed to be relieved and uplifted, we have already been beaten down by the film’s gravitas.
There are many things to like about this film. Jolie shows she has the ability to use film as a canvas and paint a powerful picture. Jack O’Connell does a skillfully understated, yet powerful performance as Zamperini. He captures the parlance of the times effortlessly as well paint a portrait of an ordinary person who is also exceptional. I am undecided about Takamasa Ishihara portrayal of the sadistic Commandant. Ishihara is obviously a skillful actor, but his portrayal lacked the true villainy needed to make him a truly fearsome character.
I am glad that Angelina Jolie is taking the reigns of making films. Even though her visions are a bit morbid for my tastes, she tells stories that should be told. However, from a movie going experience point of view, excessive dwelling on human suffering is not always the best way to capture the entertainment dollar, nor is it a way to inspire the masses. I have nothing but respect for her international work with the UN and I believe her experience with human suffering is what spurs her into action, but if you are looking for escapism, this is not necessarily the venue for that.
I recommend going to see this film as it is a great story of an American hero and the survival of the human spirit. Keep in mind that this is not a light hearted or uplifting holiday movie. If you know what you are getting into it is fine for what it is.
No comments:
Post a Comment