Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018) User Reviews (71)

An inspirational movie, brilliantly acted and moderately directed that gives you a look at the next chapter of Zamperini's life.

[Aktham_Tashtush · 7/10 · 23 September 2018]

First of all, i loved the first movie, Jolie and Jack O'Connell did and amazing job ,, heard about this second chapter of the story and i was kinda hesitant because neither of them is in this but at the end i realized it didn't matter much ,,, as over all the movie turned out to be a really good finale.

The plot, settings and script were just in a perfect harmony .. a powerful portrayal when it comes to mental illness and PTSD, the movie nailed this portrayal, bringing some traumatic flashbacks and the nightmares that tortured Louis Zamperini and presenting his coping mechanism which did not appear over-dramatic, yet it'll make you completely immersed in his struggles and have empathy for his likes ...

Cast wise, Samuel Hunt did a fantastic job capturing the spirit of a man broken beyond his bonds, his portrayal of Zamperini's suffering from a number of afflictions was spot on, and he rarely overact which makes it all more real and believable. His co-star the Canadian beauty Merritt Patterson also a lovely complement to the character, being a sensational impact to help with the Zamperini's character development and bring some new dynamics to the movie. The chemistry between the two was substantial, and of course the rest of the cast did great job supporting the couple and making the project look even more enjoyable.

Now to the one negative I sensed in here, directing wise, I think in so many places the movie gets a bit unnecessarily preachy, I mean I didn't read the book and I don't personally know Harold Cronk,, but i think based on his past projects " God's Not Dead" 1 and 2 and "God Bless the Broken Road " I would imagine him as a guy on a black suit knocking on my door asking me if i have time to know more about the lord and savior ... I mean we get it you love Jesus and all but personally when things get more "O lordy lord" I snore ,, and the general atmosphere slightly becomes dull, right up until it picks up when a Zamperini gets stress episode or a flashback gets in the way, i go like "thank god" 😁 ... while the movie in general had a balanced style on that matter, the end of the movie crossed into that territory. However, to be fair it kinda allowed for one to appreciate the character development morally in a way, still though, i think if it was up to another director, "Angelina Jolie" for instance, it would have looked much like the first movie and it would have gotten much more buzz in the media.

Final thought, It's an inspirational movie, brilliantly acted, and even though i didn't like the religious aspect, the movie looked like a solid addition to the character build up and gives the story a semi satisfactory closure ... so if you watched the first movie, why not get on with it and watch the rest of it. 😉

Battling demons

[tmarie-31516 · 7/10 · 19 September 2018]

I almost didn't go see this movie because of the terrible ratings. I'm glad I analyzed them enough to make a good decision to see this film which we enjoyed very much.

Politics has no place in Hollywood; films are created to entertain the viewer. I do not go see films based on personal beliefs and can accept and can even feel pleasure in seeing other people overcome their demons and find happiness in whatever positive manner positive. I'm not a believe in religion but am a believer in what works for those who do.

The story needed what happened and being that this is a "true story," it shouldn't be rewritten to make people more tolerating and compassionate.

Movie Triggers: War Hero's Alcoholism Religion - Christianity Behaviors Hate Enemies Nightmares Pain Suffering Hitting bottom

I believe a lot of people will miss out on a truly heart breaking and inspiring movie due to the ratings because some subject matters triggered viewers who are not tolerable of beliefs that differ from their own which is a shame.

I predicted the ending but I'm thankful that I was correct as it was what I wanted to happen. I could relate to many situations in this movie. However, my story and methods were different but with the same outcome. Fighting and not giving up is all that matters, How people obtain their freedom and happiness is not to be judged.

Go see the movie, shed a tear or two and smile.

The traumas of the past

[DogePelis2015 · 6/10 · 8 August 2021]

It is a passable movie; the plot is decent and Samuel Hunt's acting is good.

The Spirit Will Not Break, The War Drama Will

[rgkarim · 7/10 · 16 September 2018]

A few years ago, the story of one man surviving a Japanese prisoner of war camp inspired millions to believe in the power of the human spirit, the thought of never giving up, and perhaps a religious inspiration to accomplish tasks. Unbroken held a lot of potential, but it wasn't met with the best reviews despite the emotional sequences it brought. Years later, an unexpected sequel is out, to help expand upon the warrior who survived so much. What challenges await and are they worth watching? Robbie K here to give his thoughts in an abbreviated review of:

Movie: Unbroken: Path To Redemption (2018)

Director: Harold Cronk Writers: Richard Friedenberg (screenplay by), Ken Hixon (screenplay by) Stars: Samuel Hunt, Merritt Patterson, Will Graham

LIKES:

Fantastic Acting: Samuel Hunt reprises his role well and captures the spirit of a man broken beyond his bonds, his portrayal of suffering from a number of afflictions is spot on, and seldom does he move into the overacting area. His opposite Ms. Patterson also a lovely complement to the character, bringing a driving force to help with the character development and bring some new dynamics to the movie. Chemistry is great, and the secondary actors accomplish their roles of supporting the dynamic duo.

Setting: It's the classic era and the world has been beautifully built to replicate the happening times of the late 1940s to early 1950s. The costumes, the make-up, the cars, and the houses all scream the dazzling decades and bring you into the full experience of time traveling to Zamperini's second journey.

Powerful Portrayal: When it comes to mental illness, the community needs representation to help others understand the struggles they face. Unbroken 2 nailed this portrayal, bringing with it the flashbacks, the reexperiencing, and the nightmares that torture the poor souls who suffer from it. In addition, Zamperini's coping mechanism was not overdramatic, but an accurate representation of the poor nursing habits used to apply a band-aid on the real problem. You'll become immersed in his struggles and perhaps gain some empathy in the process.

Not too preachy: Religious movies sometimes become fancy, big budgeted services that spend their time preaching sermons. While the end of the movie crossed into that territory, a majority of it balanced the word of God with the representation of the protagonist's fall. This balance allowed for one to appreciate the character development, while getting the moral-heavy messages they wanted to teach. The balance is nice and doesn't detract from the story, therefore increasing its entertainment value.

The Music Editing: Awesome musical scores, allow for orchestra work to amplify the scenes emotional kick. This is especially true in the ending scenes, which provides some very powerful dynamics and leads to the scene being exponentially better as it brings out the visual effects of the scene.

DISLIKE:

Predictable: Not many twists, turns, or surprises here, the movie is a bit one sided in its delivery and therefore a tad dull at parts where the movie starts to drag. Being based on history and religious movies, it's no surprise this is the case.

More downfall than hope: The trailers pain this movie about redemption, so maybe you want to see the effects of the redemption. Unbroken 2 though, decides to stick towards the downfall component more than the up-rise, choosing to show his actions in the medium of ending descriptions. I would have liked to see a closer 50:50 portrayal; of his story, getting the best of both worlds instead of just super downfall. At least it sets up for the powerful ending right?

Limited audience: The first installment was able to tell history, sell the drama, and inspire faith thereby expanding to a number of audience members. However, this installment has narrowed the application to the audience members to mostly the religious drama folks. It's not bad, but as a reviewer, the fact this movie is not able to entertain as many as they thought.

Much ruined by the trailers: If you have seen the trailers enough times, then congratulations, you've saved yourself nearly 12 dollars depending on where you live. Unbroken 2 has had much spoiled by the advertising, and if you recall the trailers like I do then you want have much to discover in this performance. Such a shame to see the media ruin the movie like it did here.

THE VERDICT:

It's inspirational, it's beautifully acted, and has some of the most balance religious aspects of the genre. Unbroken 2 is a solid addition to the character development of its protagonist and brings the story to a semi-full closure in regards to the nightmare he endured. Despite all the aesthetics and inspiration, it brings though, the movie is limited to a finite audience, it's predictable plot and lack of historical flair makes it less appealing, especially when it has much spoiled by the trailers. As such, this movie is best reserved to church group outings or left for home viewing.

My scores are:

Biography/Drama: 6.5-7.0 Movie Overall: 6..0

Unnecessary unappealing budget sequel to the first class original.

[ToneBalone60 · 2/10 · 1 July 2020]

The original Unbroken is a very good movie that focuses on the pain both physical and psychological that Zamperini & his comrades suffered under the brutal Japanese camp commanders. The original had good and convincing actors.

This production was an unnecessary conclusion with a dull redemption storyline and a thick sickly sweet Disneyesque sugar coating of American Apple pie, Italian Mamma Mia Familia and Motivational commercial Jesus. "Run Zamperini Run" Nope. If this was meant to provide redemption and closure to a brutal story it didn't. Instead it trivialises the story into just the meanderings of just another alcoholic vet with PTSD thrown on the rubbish heap of post war America. This was to make those that sent boys to war less guilty. "Oh well, it all turned out all right in the end didn't it?, Thanks to Jesus, Spaghetti and good old American forgiveness"

A dreary, superfluous melodrama set against a polished, pretentious, Hollywood kitsch version of post war Middle America.

Why all the hostility?

[josephevans-36016 · 7/10 · 3 January 2021]

I finally watched this film for the first time and decided to go on Imdb to rate it. I read at least half of the comments, both positive and negative. I don't see anything wrong with giving a deeply passionate message on fighting inner demons, forgiveness, and a transformed life in the salvation of Christ. After the Second World War, many men found inner peace through salvation and became ministers, and planted intergenerational seeds. They were men of faith. Billy Graham wasn't a perfect man, as there are none, but his message was a shining light to many. He was active during the civil rights movement, and even worked with MLK Jr and Southern ministers to desegregate the South. However, I do understand what some of the negative reviewers are saying. Some modern Christian films can be corny and overly dramatic to the point of spoiling the moment for some.

At the same time, a lot of films such as "Jesus camp" about Christian youth propaganda, brainwashing, and making it seem like the norm, is way overly dramatic. The film "Boy Erased" about conversion therapy, is an inaccurate portrayal. Even decades ago, that wasn't all that common. Scientists once "believed" (meaning based on faith), that being gay was a mental illness. That is far removed from the belief of many of today's Christians. True Christians believe that only God can change someone. If there are any remaining stragglers believing that sending a gay teen to "conversion therapy" is a solution, then they are missing the biblical mark. A lack of understanding, and a shared bitterness towards religion, leads to the creation of these types of films. Filmmakers pick rare instances and blow them up in a full feature film in order to politicize it.

My dislikes for Broken 2 obviously had nothing to do with the film having a Christian aim. At the same time, giving the film one star just because you strongly dislike anything to do with Christianity, shows your deeply imbedded bias. I've seen plenty of films that irritated me to the point of desiring to give it one star. But at least I try to have an open mind to be realistic, understand the message, and look past my personal beliefs in order to give films a fair and unbiased rating. Some of these one star raters either did not watch the film, or allowed their bitterness for Christianity to cloud their vision and overcome the important message of "forgiveness."

Please read this:

[shmupins · 1/10 · 28 December 2018]

I have never felt the urge to leave a review for any film in this website until now. This is by far one of the worst films I have ever seen. Not only does it boast a disingenuously shallow cast of actors, generic score, and terribly flat cinematography, but it is in no way related to the original product. After doing a little research I found that Angelina Jolie, as well as the entirety of the production staff, producers, distributors, and so on had no hand in the creation of this. This movie is a cheap cash in, by Harold Cronk, meant to mislead viewers into believing it's a genuine sequel to the original. Harold Cronk, for those of you who are unaware, is the director of such films as God is Dead, overbearing Christian films made to idealize the Christian faith via horridly inaccurate depictions of a faithful versus unfaithful dichotomy. I'd like to state that I personally have nothing against Christianity or similar faiths, it's the false depiction and idealizition of these faiths that I do have a problem with. These films are not labors of love, like so many others. These are corporate products and borderline proganda pieces meant to mislead and extort viewers. I plead that you do not support this film or any of its ilk, I can't stress this enough. Views, faiths, and tastes aside, I beg of you to support films made for the sake of the arts, not for cash. Please for the love of God do not support this soulless product, your opinions matter and boycotting these products tells those who believe in this practice that you are not interested. Please for the love of God do not watch, and especially pay for this.

A Review by an Atheist

[rdnyscott · 10/10 · 6 January 2019]

The avg. IMDB star rating for this movie is suffering due to the older audience this movie appeals to. I've seen perfectly grammatically correct reviews praising this movie, frankly raving about it, yet they only gave the movie 3 or so stars. I think some older folks are new to IMDB and don't understand how its star rating system works. 10 stars is good and 1 star is bad.

Anyway, the detail in the PTSD depiction was amazingly accurate and Samuel Hunt is an exceptional actor. I loved this movie for the accuracy in that. I understand the disappointment one Christian expressed over the minor coverage of what changed Zamperini's mind, convincing him to stop hating and blaming God, but to instead trust Him. As an atheist, I certainly didn't mind the short treatment of this, but I will point out that Pure Flix has gotten lots of heat for dedicating full movies to trying to persuade atheists. They've probably learned not to do that. Even another IMDB reviewer didn't like how preachy this movie still is, as though the aim should be for Christian studios to make movies that are indistinguishable from those of secular studios. I certainly don't expect that.

Another reviewer dedicated their entire review of this movie to insulting Pure Flix for its previous movies which were dedicated to persuading atheists. Some atheists think movies where an atheist is a villain should never exist, even if atheists are also good guys in the same movie. So I'll grant that you Christians were quite mature about Monty Python movies, Carrie, the Shawshank Redemption, and many of Universal's recent anti-Christian movies like the highly fictionalized Boy Erased, but I just don't think many atheists are quite ready to return that favor to you. Sorry. :-/

Bad acting, uplifting story.

[griffithxjohnson · 6/10 · 12 March 2022]

The acting and script are pretty rough, but it takes its time finishing this story and follows the source material closely. The editing is surprisingly solid. It's uplifting yet honest.

A good story but a Christian's fantasy

[freedomfight-90875 · 3/10 · 15 June 2020]

The movie starts strong but it starts to devolve into a tiresome movie with wasted potential, it leads up to the Louis going to japan, he doesn't. I was under the impression we would meet the bird and get closure but no, we meet a pastor and a suddenly extremely religious wife who is only introduced as a casual attendee, the movie had good plot but it just devolved into a Christian fantasy where even Kenneth Copeland would say chill out. As an Atheist the religious undertones are shoved down your throat with the subtlety of a RPG rocket to the face. I really wish they didnt get pureflix to do this the character deserved more than just praise the lord. Even worse they try to rewrite the more subtle undertones of the previous movie into the same thing.

If I had any idea from the trailer of the movie being not a movie I would not have switched it on

Unbroken by the Overly Critical

[nathanb-martin · 10/10 · 15 September 2018]

What makes a great film based on a true story? In my opinion, the film is great if it follows the actual story and doesn't deviate from the course that someone actually lived. Louis Zamperini is a man whose story shaped much of my teenage years and continues to influence the man I am becoming. I learned a lot of lessons from his stories. That nothing in life is ever too hard to overcome. That resiliency, faith, courage, and strength can get you through anything. That forgiveness can set you free from a dark past. And above all else, God is in control of everything and uses everything for our good, yes, even our pain. I know that not everyone believes in God, and many reject His existence. But the story Unbroken is incomplete without God in it. I, like so many others, felt empty after the first Unbroken film in 2014. While the movie was mostly accurate, it left out so many important details. The last half of Zamperini's story is summed up in a sad two sentences at the end of the film and God was swept under the rug. So once again, I like so many others felt utterly relieved when it was announced that a sequel was in the works to finish the story. I am proud to say that this movie exceeded my expectations and finished a story that much needed to be told. While what happened to Zamperini in the war was a terrible and unforgettable story, his time after the war was much darker. Louis Zamperini went from being a man unable to be broken by his captors to a survivor haunted by nightmares that leave him reduced to an alcoholic. But it is such a beautiful moment both in the book and in the movie to see Louis lay all his burdens down at the alter and become an entirely different man, free from all his pain. Again, I know that not everyone believes in God, but it was undoubtedly God that freed Louis from his own war. You cannot remove God and faith from this story and have a good movie. I feel that this movie did justice to Zamperini and his legacy.

Aspiring strory of a man finding god

[allanmichael30 · 6/10 · 29 May 2019]

This story show the sad truth that for many the war was not finnished but become a mental struggle. The film is another story of the man from the film unbroken. The sad truth was that many soldiers turnned to drink but he found god and found the strength to carry on.

A linear movie

[iriscorvo · 4/10 · 8 June 2022]

Much worse than the first movie and somewhat boring. The plot is quite linear. The cast isn't the same from the first movie. Not a very interesting movie, however the ending is quite inspiring.

Life Changing

[kimbo812 · 5/10 · 17 September 2018]

This movie was wonderfully acted. Lou made a promise to God, and God would not let him go until that promise was kept. An eye opener to me in the fact of the unrecognized PTSD. I had 3 uncles that died from sclerosis of the liver, they had all served in WWII, one was a prisoner in Germany. My family always said they drank because of there Scotch Irish heritage. Tonight as I watch this movie I realized, no it was because the horrors they saw and experienced. Thanks for telling Lou's story.

A religious movie masked as a war movie

[mps_animaxfriends · 4/10 · 2 July 2020]

By the end of This movie it is clear that this was nothing more than a Christian propaganda movie about a soldier who turned to Jesus.

There's nothing like a good true-life story!

[coastdaze · 10/10 · 15 September 2018]

Before you pooh-pooh movies about a person's life changing moment, see the continuing (Unbroken) true story of one man's journey from WWII prisoner of war to healing and wholeness. This 2nd movie abut Zamperini's life story was even better than the first. The quality of production, storyline consistency and acting was perfect. It's an emotional movie for sure and some of the struggles Zamperini lived through were unknown to me. While this is a movie that is family friendly, it contains a powerful message.

Uneventful

[ericmallen · 1/10 · 23 September 2018]

Not really worth your time. Basically it capitalized off a better movie with subpar acting. It's more accurate, according to some sources, but at the cost of entertainment.

Ignore the Low-Raters who are trying to politicise the movie

[dawnmhudspeth · 10/10 · 16 September 2018]

This is a lovely film on many levels. Anyone rating it low is playing games. Ignore them. Enjoy the movie!

Worst film I've seen

[lloydie-40193 · 1/10 · 4 June 2020]

Writing my first review just to warn you not to watch this film.

Cinematic experience was awful, story line was terrible and acting was dreadful.

This could easily be classed as a comedy, it's that bad.

Watchable But Slow Biopic

[martimusross · 5/10 · 3 July 2019]

Unbroken Path To Redemption

I feel overall this was an opportunity missed to really engage with post traumatic stress disorder and how medical intervention needs to presume it is present until they can confirm it is not.

The movie then sank into an abyss of alcoholic self-medication that was totally understandable in the absence of professional intervention.

The acting as good and Samuel Hunt in the lead role gave an intensity to the role. How good he fail with bone structure and indeed hair like that.

His redemption in the form of finding faith is to easy to condemn, it worked for him, it's his story and who I am to criticise.

Without being unfair there really wasn't enough here of a story to make a movie 5/10

Appalling Pentecostal propoganda

[latakiahaze · 1/10 · 30 May 2019]

A truly dreadful and cartoonish piece of Christian propaganda. The clues are there from the start, with an incessantly swelling musical score and cheesy cliches to die for. If you miss those clues, you can read them at the end credits when it's clear this is nothing more than a commercial piece for the Billy Graham ministry. Reduces all life to falling down one day in a tent and instantly being "cured" of PTSD and alcoholism. Suggests the enemy are a barbarous race who can simply be cured by being given a bible. Disrespects and demonizes the Japanese, makes the Americans out to be stupid and generally has no redeeming features. Contrary to the holy-roller message of the film, this does nothing but demean and compress the raw experience of trauma into something that can be magicked away by a smooth talking pastor and the "love of a good woman". Possibly one of the least life-affirming films I have ever seen, one of the most stupid, and one of the most ill-informed about the true nature of mental illness and dependency. So awful on every level that I had to take bath to get its pervasive treacle off of me.

A Review by a Christian

[cricrazy · 9/10 · 18 September 2018]

Being unapologetically Christian, I enjoyed the movie. It truly depicts the turning point in the life of Louis. The story is kind of slow but is at a decent pace. It mainly tries to demonstrate Louis's struggle with addiction and PSTD issues. But it also shows that the issues are also spiritual in nature. And only way he could overcome the demons of his past was through his faith.

It has a redemptive ending. In this day and age, it is rare to see such clear representation of a person's faith journey.

You will not be disappointed.

Acting: 9/10 Story: 8/10 Family Friendliness: 9/10

Christian Pentecostal Propaganda Movie Toxic

[marriottjason · 1/10 · 23 March 2019]

This movie 100% christian propaganda movie by the pentacostal church. It is a toxic and grose sales film for christians. Avoid at all costs watching this stupid movie... or at least watch it with an open mind!

Uplifting film of darkness and redemption

[blankenthoughts · 8/10 · 29 December 2018]

As a war hero returns home from World War Two, he finds his life descend into a dizzying whirlwind of alcohol, rage and bad choices. Can he ever bounce back?

That is the premise of this Christian-themed movie, which touches on some of the most universal of human pains. Sam Hunt is a stand-out in this movie for excellent, excellent acting ... his acting lifts the entire movie.

The message of the movie is hugely uplifting as he tries to find a path forward in a life littered with PTSD trauma. PTSD victims can relate to the intensity and woundedness of his condition, which is well illustrated.

This movie has a powerful true story of God's grace even in the darkest of corners. The ultimate character arc, of course, occurs which provides hope for any who view.

An excellent movie for all to watch and be inspired!

The story Jolie should have told

[dopadav · 3/10 · 4 January 2019]

Pure Flix hits another home run by producing an important movie and one everybody should see. Seldom does a sequel match the original release. Ernie's Story was his path to redemption from the bitterness and hatred he held towards his captors.