Unbroken (2014) Ending Explained
tl;dr: Unbroken (2014), directed by Angelina Jolie, is based on the true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and WWII bombardier who survives a plane crash, 47 days adrift at sea, and brutal captivity in Japanese POW camps. The ending focuses on Zamperini's resilience, his eventual liberation, and his postwar journey of forgiveness. While the film doesn't delve deeply into his later life, it emphasizes his unbroken spirit despite unimaginable suffering. The final scenes show Zamperini running again, symbolizing his triumph over adversity and his refusal to let his captors break him.
The Ending Explained:
The conclusion of Unbroken is both triumphant and sobering, reflecting the real-life resilience of Louis Zamperini. After enduring months of torture and dehumanization at the hands of the Japanese prison camp guards, particularly the sadistic Mutsuhiro Watanabe ("The Bird"), Zamperini is finally liberated when the war ends. The film's final act skips over his postwar struggles (which are detailed in Laura Hillenbrand's book) and instead focuses on the moment of his release. The guards flee as Allied forces approach, and Zamperini, emaciated but alive, walks free. The closing scenes show him years later, running with the Olympic torch in Japan-a powerful symbol of his forgiveness and unbroken spirit.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. What happened to Watanabe after the war?
- Historically, Watanabe evaded prosecution as a war criminal and lived in hiding before eventually becoming a businessman. Zamperini later attempted to reconcile with him, but Watanabe refused.
2. How did Zamperini cope psychologically after his ordeal?
- The film omits his PTSD and alcoholism, which he overcame through faith and forgiveness, as detailed in the book.
3. Why doesn't the film show Zamperini's religious transformation?
- Likely for narrative brevity, the movie focuses on physical endurance rather than his spiritual journey.
Symbolism of the Final Scenes:
The image of Zamperini running with the Olympic torch in Japan is loaded with meaning. It represents his full-circle journey from athlete to survivor to victor. By returning to Japan-the country where he suffered so deeply-he demonstrates that hatred did not consume him. The torch also symbolizes hope and continuity, echoing his earlier Olympic dreams. The film's choice to end on this note, rather than his darker postwar struggles, reinforces its theme of indomitable human spirit.
Historical vs. Cinematic Choices:
The movie simplifies Zamperini's story, omitting key elements like his conversion to Christianity after hearing Billy Graham preach, which helped him forgive his captors. Some critics argue this glosses over the complexity of his healing process. However, the film's focus on his physical endurance aligns with its central message: survival against all odds. The omission of Watanabe's fate may frustrate viewers, but it underscores the film's emphasis on Zamperini's perspective-his liberation, not his tormentor's punishment, is the climax.
Personal Opinion:
Unbroken is a stirring tribute to Zamperini's resilience, but its ending feels somewhat truncated. While the final shot of him running is poignant, the film's avoidance of his postwar struggles (like PTSD) risks romanticizing his suffering. The book's deeper exploration of his forgiveness-especially toward Watanabe-adds layers the movie misses. That said, Jack O'Connell's performance powerfully conveys Zamperini's grit, and the ending's visual poetry lingers. It's a flawed but moving portrait of a man who refused to be broken, even if it simplifies his full story.
Final Thought:
The ending of Unbroken works as a cinematic climax, but Zamperini's real-life journey-marked by both scars and grace-deserves the deeper dive Hillenbrand's book provides. The film's emphasis on physical endurance over emotional recovery may leave some viewers wanting, but its core message of perseverance shines through.