I give this movie 5 stars out of 5. Keep reading to find out why...and why I think it's a travesty it was snubbed at this year's Academy Awards.So Angelina Jolie broke out of her comfort zone and directed this dramatic true story of Louis Zamperini starring Jack O'Connell, Domhall Gleason, and Finn Wittrock. Introducing Japanese singer Miyavi to acting.
Louis is an Italian-born American Olympian that enlists in the Army in 1943. During wartime Louis' plane is gunned down landing in the Pacific. He, Domhall, & Finn's characters are left to float adrift shark invested open waters while being attacked at the same time. They are rescued...by the Japanese. For the remainder of the movie Louis and his friends are beaten, starved, and tortured by the cruel Mutsuhiro "The Bird" Watanabe. To escape we see flashbacks of Louis' life. By the way worth noting that before he died The Bird admitted on record he got a sexual thrill out of torturing his prisoners. When war is over and the prisoners are finally release you cannot help but cheer for Louis having endured all that he has. Unfortunately the real Louis Zamperini died on July 2, 2014 at the age of 97. Angelina did get to screen the movie for him.
The reason I say it's a travesty the movie didn't get more recognition is because this is THE PERFECT story of overcoming triumph. It teaches all of us that even when we think we can't we can. And the performances were OUTSTANDING; it deserves more than technical nominations! Jack, Angelina, and the writers deserve nominations with Angie winning. I'm baffled and always will be.
It's ok, Jack. I see HUGE things for you. This is the first step...and the movie made $131million on a $65million budget so take that Academy.