The biographical war drama Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie, clocks in at a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes (137 minutes). This duration encompasses the harrowing journey of Louis Zamperini, from Olympic athlete to prisoner of war, meticulously portraying his resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
A Detailed Look at Unbroken’s Runtime
While the stated runtime is consistent across various sources, the perceived length of a film is subjective and often influenced by the narrative pacing. Unbroken attempts to cover a significant portion of Zamperini’s life, including his Olympic career, wartime service, and brutal experiences in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps. This ambitious scope inevitably leads to certain sections feeling either rushed or, conversely, drawn out, impacting the overall perception of its length. It’s crucial to consider this nuance when assessing whether the runtime is “appropriate” for the story being told.
The movie’s runtime breaks down into several distinct acts. The first act establishes Zamperini’s early life as a troublesome youth who finds redemption through running. This section is relatively brief. The second act details his service in the Pacific during World War II, including the harrowing plane crash that left him and two other crew members adrift at sea for 47 days. This is arguably the longest and most visually impactful portion of the film. The final act focuses on Zamperini’s time in various POW camps, depicting the relentless physical and psychological torture he endured. This section, while crucial to understanding Zamperini’s remarkable survival, can feel protracted due to the repetitive nature of the abuse.
Ultimately, Unbroken’s 137-minute runtime is a deliberate choice to balance the sprawling narrative with the demands of cinematic storytelling. Whether it succeeds in achieving this balance is a matter of individual interpretation, but understanding the structure and the story it aims to tell provides valuable context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unbroken
Here are some frequently asked questions about Unbroken to further clarify its details and address common queries:
Understanding the Movie’s Specifics
Q1: What is Unbroken based on?
Unbroken is based on the best-selling non-fiction book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand. The book meticulously recounts the life of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic runner who survived a plane crash in the Pacific and endured years of imprisonment in Japanese POW camps.
Q2: Who directed Unbroken?
Unbroken was directed by Angelina Jolie. This marked her second directorial effort, following her debut with In the Land of Blood and Honey in 2011.
Q3: Who plays Louis Zamperini in Unbroken?
The role of Louis Zamperini is played by Jack O’Connell. His portrayal garnered significant critical acclaim for its raw emotion and physicality.
Q4: Does Unbroken have any deleted scenes that would affect the overall runtime?
While deleted scenes exist, they are minimal and do not drastically alter the overall runtime. These scenes typically expand upon character development or add minor details to existing sequences, but they don’t introduce entirely new plot threads or substantially extend the film’s duration. Official releases with extended cuts haven’t significantly altered the core 137-minute runtime.
Examining the Film’s Narrative and Production
Q5: Does the movie Unbroken cover Zamperini’s entire life?
No, the movie Unbroken primarily focuses on Louis Zamperini’s experiences during World War II, starting with his time as an Olympic runner and culminating with his release from the POW camps. It does not delve deeply into his post-war struggles with PTSD and eventual recovery.
Q6: How accurate is Unbroken to the book?
While Unbroken attempts to remain faithful to Laura Hillenbrand’s book, certain details were condensed or omitted for cinematic purposes. Some critics argue that the film simplified the complexities of Zamperini’s experience and the nuances of the POW camp environment. However, it generally captures the essence of his resilience and unwavering spirit.
Q7: Was Unbroken filmed in the real locations described in the book?
While attempts were made to film in locations that resembled the settings described in the book, logistical challenges often necessitated the use of alternative locations. For example, scenes depicting the ocean were filmed in Australia.
Considering Reception and Viewer Experience
Q8: What is the critical reception of Unbroken like?
Unbroken received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised Jolie’s direction, O’Connell’s performance, and the film’s visual impact, some criticized its perceived lack of emotional depth and its reliance on familiar war movie tropes.
Q9: Is Unbroken a good movie to watch with children?
Unbroken contains scenes of intense violence, torture, and suffering, making it unsuitable for young children. Parental guidance is strongly advised for teenagers due to the graphic nature of the content. Its PG-13 rating reflects the mature themes explored.
Q10: Does the length of Unbroken impact its pacing?
Yes, the runtime of Unbroken does impact its pacing. Some viewers find the film to be well-paced, effectively conveying the scope of Zamperini’s journey. Others find certain sections, particularly those depicting his time in the POW camps, to be repetitive and drawn out. This is a subjective experience that varies from viewer to viewer.
Understanding Variations and Availability
Q11: Are there different versions of Unbroken with varying runtimes?
While theatrical and digital versions share the 137-minute runtime, special editions (Blu-ray/DVD) might include additional bonus features, such as behind-the-scenes footage or interviews, but these do not alter the film’s core length.
Q12: Where can I watch Unbroken?
Unbroken is widely available on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu (availability may vary depending on your region). It is also available for purchase or rental on digital platforms such as iTunes and Google Play. Physical copies (Blu-ray/DVD) can be purchased from retailers.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Unbroken
Unbroken, with its carefully considered runtime of 137 minutes, offers a powerful, albeit sometimes challenging, cinematic depiction of Louis Zamperini’s extraordinary life. While the perceived length and pacing may vary from viewer to viewer, the film stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Understanding the historical context, the source material, and the director’s vision allows for a deeper appreciation of this epic tale of survival and resilience.