Somehow, sequels don’t seem to live up to their expectations. In this case, however, that adage is certainly not so; instead it simply reminds me of the old Paul Harvey adage, “And now, the rest of the story.”
In 2014 Unbroken was released, can you believe, in the U.S., on Christmas Day? I say that because Unbroken is a graphic, relentless, World War II movie. Did I love it? I answer with an unequivocal, yes! Did I enjoy it, not so much, but it was a story that needed to be seen. This film was based on the bestselling 2010 non-fiction book written by Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption. The film stars Jack O’Connell as USA Olympian and Army Officer Louis “Louie” Zamperini, who survived on a raft for 47 days after his bomber crash landed in the ocean during WWlI. He and the pilot were then sent to a series of prison camps.
Louie was a bit of a handful, so to speak, in his youth. He steals, he drinks, and he smokes. Fortunately, he had a big brother. Pete realizes Louie is being picked on for his Italian heritage and decides to help. He knows how fast Louie can run so he starts training him as a runner. Louie becomes disciplined and excels in his running and is soon nicknamed “The Torrance Tornado.” He qualifies for the 1936 Summer Olympics, comes in 8th and then sets a record in the final lap of the 5,000 meter race.
His life up to now is setting the stage for the man he becomes. After the crash landing in the Pacific and his rescue by the Japanese, he is sent to his first prison camp. Mitsuhero Watanabe, nicknamed “The Bird,” runs the camp. He finds out early on that Louie is somewhat of a celebrity and takes on the challenge to break the great Louie Zamperini. It is a battle of wills for sure. Two years of unspeakable, non-stop torture and the boys back home win the war and liberate the prisoners.
Now, the rest of the story. With a September 2018 release, Unbroken: Path to Redemption picks up with Louie (Samuel Hunt) being home, but damaged. What he went through in the camps, no man should have to endure. He has night terrors, and starts drinking again just to numb the pain and live another day. He’s married but his wife has tried everything she knows how to do but still can’t help him. She attends a Billy Graham revival tent meeting and decides this may be something that would help Louie. She issues the ultimatum, he goes with her or the marriage is over.
Louie Zamperini, war hero, finally broken, finally finds peace and becomes friends with Billy Graham until the day he dies. In fact, in this film Will Graham, Billy Graham’s grandson, portrays his grandfather.
Not to confuse you, but there is a third film that was done between the two I’ve already mentioned. After you’ve watched both of the movies I’ve reviewed you might want to see Zamperini’s story from the source. Louis Zamperini Captured by Grace, tells his own story of returning home a hero; the personal battles he faced, and what happens next. Its’s only 28 minutes long but well worth watching.
I would like to say something about Louie and all the other war heroes. So many have sacrificed their lives for our freedom but they don’t always come home draped in an American flag. Some, like Louie, come home just broken. The United States of America has fought battles all over the world, not to colonize, not to create subjects, but because we believe in freedom for all. Our flag, our anthem, and yes, our war heroes, deserve respect. I invite you to watch all three of these amazing movies and as always I welcome your comments at Carolyn@carolynhastings.com.
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