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Thursday, January 8, 2015

"Unbroken", a review.

I am a movie buff. For me, a quick lunch, a matinee, and a walk on the beach after the movie to retrace our viewing pleasure or displeasure are ideal date events. I confess, I almost didn't go see the directorial debut of Angelina Jolie, Unbroken. The New York Times had said some unpleasant remarks that had me thinking, no, I don't want to see too much violence. And no, I don't want to see another WWII movie.

I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the movie is a story of survival. And a story of how prisoners of war are treated. But the way it was directed, the intimate nature of each and every scene, left me in awe and admiration.

What Ms Jolie did was to de-mythologize all the big events that we have known through other movies, The Olympics, The War, The Japanese Camps, even immigrant life. She showed a remarkably graceful and realistic view of family life with just a few scenes, a mother making gnocchi-a scene the later soldier dreams about, father disciplining and directing the family with just a slap on the head when the young man becomes distracted in church, the climate of the times with schools and athletics helping children find a passion and a way to succeed . That graceful and realistic touch takes your breath away in the war scene when the bombardier plane falls apart and crashes in the ocean.

The cinematography of how a plane full of bombardiers operates under attack is one of the best war scenes I've ever seen.

The movie covered epic themes, immigrant life, war, survival, degradation. Yet, throughout, the audience experienced these things intimately, in the kitchen and the back of the bleachers, in the plane and the inflatable boat in a sea of sharks, on a dirty bed in the Japanese war camp, and on the pain and humiliation each word and each slash was delivered.

"Unbroken" is a remarkable movie.




15 comments:

Masters Family said...

Have you read the book? It is even more incredible than the movie. :)

Rosaria Williams said...

No, I haven't. Glad to know.

joeh said...

My thoughts are still along the lines of your first paragraph, but now I have to think some more about this. Perhaps i'll wait for pay for view.

Even better i'm going to follow Masters Family and get the book on Nook.

yaya said...

He was such an incredible man and I know the story is inspiring. I haven't seen the movie and probably will have to wait until it comes out on disc, but thanks for the great review! Now I'm looking forward to watching it. Have a good week..and I like your idea of a date night! Love the walk on the beach part the best! (maybe some buttered popcorn?)

The Broad said...

It just goes to prove the importance of being able to make up your own mind! I've often read books because of critical acclaim and been mystified. And watched films I almost didn't because the TV Times didn't give them the right number of stars -- to be happily surprised to find I really enjoyed the film. Well done to you for not only seeing the film but for blogging about it, too!

L. D. said...

We will go in to see it once the weather becomes civil. I am pleased about your review and will be glad to see it.

Brian Miller said...

nice...it is on my list of ones i want to see...the previews look great....

#1Nana said...

I'm not a fan of Angelina Jolie and thought I would skip this movie. Now I may have to reconsider. The walk on the beach after a movie sounds good though!

Helen said...

I completely agree! Being away from home affords Carl and me an opportunity to see films whenever we like. I have also seen "Wild" and "Imitation Game" ~ I recommend both! We will try to see "Selma" and "American Sniper" as well, since have until January 26th. Heading back to St. Louis on the 27th and to Bend on the 28th. We will be sad to leave the body-healing warmth and humidity.

Maggie May said...

Thanks for this review. If ever I got the opportunity to see this film, I would go.
Maggie x

ellen abbott said...

I like movies too but I prefer more light hearted stuff for my entertainment so I doubt I will ever see it.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosaria .. interesting to read this - I know others who have seen it and given it better reviews than many crits did .. Thanks .. I'll get to see it ..

Cheers Hilary

the walking man said...

I'll have to take your word on this one, Rosaria, for a couple of years at least. When it comes out on discounted DVD maybe. My first thought though, no matter how noble the story, I am tired of war and depictions of war.

Amanda Summer said...

I adored this book - inhaled it. I admire Ms. Jolie's work and passion and am happy to hear that her directorial prowess brings this remarkable story to its best cinematic life.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I hesitate to go. My husband wants to as he read the book as did I. But I don't think I can handle some of the scenes. Seems as I age, I'm more particular on what I want to see. I did enjoy the book and may leave it at that.