Have you seen the movie Unbroken yet? Jon and I had a last minute opportunity to sneak out for a flick Friday night. We’d been wanting to see Unbroken since opening day on Christmas. (Actually, we’d been wanting to see it for months.)
We read articles about the filming of the movie and saw a few reviews, but I still hadn’t read Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken. I really like to read the book before the movie, but it didn’t happen that way. (It was published around Hudson’s birth and surprise diagnosis. I knew I couldn’t handle it then. I bought it anyway and my big guys have all read it now. But here it is four years later and I still haven’t.)
(Spoiler alert: if you haven’t seen Unbroken and don’t want to know more, stop reading now.)
I was struck by a few themes in Unbroken:
- The horrific brutality of the Japanese prison camp guards, and particularly the “Bird”. (I found myself crouched, “hiding”. Hard to watch)
- Louie’s resilience: he met suffering with hope, resolve and humor.
- Louie’s perseverance as a competitor in the Berlin Olympics, a bombadier in World War II, a survivor on a life raft in the ocean, and his subsequent capture and torture in a Japanese prison work camp.
- The encouraging mentor role that older brother Pete played in Louie’s life.
- The forgiveness that Louie later offered his brutal captors.
- That those who experience the deepest pain often have the greatest influence and impact in life. (We speak from our pain. And others listen.)
“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” – C. S. Lewis
A lot was said in the movie. And a lot was unsaid. I’m thankful Angelina Jolie produced Unbroken because it puts the spotlight on an amazing story of triumph, forgiveness and redemption that needs to be told. Louie Zamperini’s unforgettable story reminds us that truth and forgiveness will eventually triumph over hatred and brutality.
The movie Unbroken may just inspire a new generation towards forgiveness, perseverance, hope and resilience. And there’ll likely be others like me, who will finally pick up the book and read the rest of the story.
Check out the official Unbroken movie trailer here:
Did you see Unbroken or read the book? Are you planning to? Did Louie Zamperini’s story inspire or affect you? Would love to hear your thoughts today.
Denise says
Doug is reading the book now and I will start it when he’s finished. I’m glad you got a chance to see the movie!
Ellen says
One of the best books I’ve ever read!! Can’t wait to see the movie.
Aunt Pinkie says
Found it a compelling read but sadly, four years later, forget most of it and can’t find our copy-rats! Am looking forward to seeing it on Thutsday night. Am hoping to see Franklin Graham’s DVD which tells the rest of the story – the part about his amazing conversion.. Thanks, Allie, for telling us about it!
Sandi says
Read this book when it first came out, I think it was an Oprah Winfrey selection. I loved the ending.
Sheryl says
Allie, I read this book and it is a great book. My grandpa was a nose gunner in the same plane as Louie’s so this book was especially interesting for me. It brought to life a lot of the stories that I had heard of my grandfather going out searching for fellow crewmen. Their team was successful more than once at locating men on life rafts and calling in their position so the men could be rescued. Louie’s story of courage, strength and perseverance in extremely hard times is so incredible and makes me so thankful and grateful for the servicemen who put their lives in danger for our freedom. Keep up the good work with your blog and maybe someday we will all get to read a book that you have written! 🙂
Allie Taylor says
Wow Sheryl, I had no idea your grandfather was a nose gunner in WWII. And in the same plane as Louie’s. Incredible. This must be an amazing book for your entire family. Thanks for the kind words, friend. Who knows? 🙂
Julie says
This is on my “must go see” list!!
Linda Jenkins says
Hi Allie. I have been watching the trailers and the comments on the television. Have not read the book, but would love to read it and to see the movie. Of all the new films out, it is the one that has caught my attention. Will let you know my thoughts once I have seen it.
Susie says
Very cool, Sheryl, about your grandpa! Allie, I have not seen the movie nor read the book yet. Julia has seen the movie, though, but I did see two different television interviews with Mr. Zamperini before he passed away and cried both times. What a story of God’s grace and forgiveness. I am definitely looking forward to both the movie and the book!