Unbroken
2014 — 2h 17min — PG-13 — Biography, WW2, Sport
Director
Angelina Jolie
Writers
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Richard LaGravenese, William Nicholson
Actors
Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Miyavi
Intro
Louie Zamperini, once a troubled boy, discovers a passion for running that leads him to the 1936 Olympics. During WWII, his plane crashes in the Pacific. After 47 days adrift, he is captured by the Japanese and placed in a brutal POW camp.
Based on a true story.
Redemptive Analogy
Unbroken reflects Christian themes of suffering, redemption, and forgiveness. Louie Zamperini’s endurance reflects Jesus’ teaching that suffering can lead to glory. Louie’s ultimate act of forgiveness echoes Christ’s call to love our enemies.
Conversation Starters
In your own words, ask a few of these questions during the natural conversation after the movie.
A Mother’s Prayers
We see Louie’s mom praying after he gets into trouble early in the movie. Do you think she ever stopped praying for her son? Do you know of anyone who might be praying for you like this?
Possible Response
The Bible is full of mothers praying for their children. James teaches us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) Prayer changes things. (Matthew 7:7, 21:22; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; John 15:7) Be encouraged that God hears and responds to prayer.
Believing Lies
Early in the movie, Louie tells his brother, “I’m not like you, I’m nothing.”Later in the movie, after losing a foot race to a prison guard, The Bird tells Louie, “You fail. You are nothing.” These are lies. What is the truth?
Possible Response
How can you be “nothing” if God loves you so much? (John 3:16) God awesomely and wonderfully made you. (Psalm 139:13-14, NASB) Jesus knows you so well he knows the number of hairs on your head. (Matthew 10:30) Although your sin brings death, he offers you eternal life. (Romans 6:23)
The Purpose of Life
After being adrift for 18 days, Louie asks Phil, “So you think there’s some kind of a grand plan? Why did we live and the others didn’t? Why are we here now?” How would you answer?
Possible Response
Christians believe these are the “grand plan” reasons they exist:
Created to honor God (1 Peter 2:9)
Build a personal connection with God (Acts 8:15-16)
Do good things that benefit others (Ephesians 2:10)
Grow spiritually, showing positive changes in their lives (John 15:8)
Help others learn about Jesus and follow His teachings (Matthew 28:19-20)
Desperate Pleading
In a moment of desperation, Louie tells God, “If you get me through this, if you answer my prayers, I swear I’ll dedicate my whole life to you. I’ll do whatever you want… Please.” Have you ever reached that point?
Possible Response
Christians believe these are the “grand plan” reasons they exist:
Created to honor God (1 Peter 2:9)
Build a personal connection with God (Acts 8:15-16)
Do good things that benefit others (Ephesians 2:10)
Grow spiritually, showing positive changes in their lives (John 15:8)
Help others learn about Jesus and follow His teachings (Matthew 28:19-20)