Adopted from the novel written by Laura Hillenbrand, Angelina Jolie has brought this riveting story to the big screen.

Unbroken tells the story of Louis “Louie” Zamperini, a young, misguided youth searching for an outlet for his passion. With encouragement from his older brother, Pete, Louie becomes a track star and is soon on his way to the Berlin Olympics, setting unbelievable records and inspiring others. With the outbreak of World War II, Louie joins the Army Corps as a bombardier. After a close encounter with death and a nearly destroyed plane, Louie and his crew are transferred to an even less reliable plane.

While on a mission, their plane is shot down in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Louie and two others – Phil and Mac – are the only survivors. With no food and no water, they struggle to keep their faith and eventually suffer the loss of Mac at sea. Fending off hungry sharks, shielding themselves from the blazing sun, and protecting themselves from enemy fire, the men are stranded at sea for 47 days, only to be “rescued” by the enemy – the Japanese.

Louie and Phil are separated from each other and sent to POW camps. Louie suffers the wrath of a sadistic guard, nicknamed “the Bird”, who tries to strip him of his humanity and dignity. Louie, however, is determined to stay alive. He and the other POWs do whatever they can to resist, including teaching a young guard improper English and stealing food. Louie’s resilience and hope in the face of unfathomable torture and misery are the key to his survival.

Laura Hillenbrand had done such an outstanding job captivating the reader, relaying this riveting, true story to the audience, that I was excited to see how Angelina Jolie would interpret the story on the big screen.

After sitting through all 137 minutes of the film, I walked out deeply disappointed. Louie’s story, compelling and awe-inspiring, was in no way portrayed as it had been in the novel. Although the film stayed true to the novel, many important details and scenes were omitted from the movie.

The film opens with Louie and his crew flying their plane and continues with flashbacks of Louie’s childhood to help the audience better understand the context preceding the opening scene. The book, contrary to the film, spends a long time relaying Louie’s background story, building his character and setting the mood. I was also irritated that the majority of the movie focused mainly on Louie in the POW camps. The most awe-inspiring part is the aftermath of Louie’s liberation.

Louie returns home, plagued with PTSD and turns to alcohol to erase the horrifying memories. With much encouragement from his wife, Cynthia, Louie returns to church, finds guidance in the teachings of Billy Graham, and remembers the vow he made to God while on the brink of death. Louie then returns to Japan to face the men who had once tortured him. Rather than completing the story, the film ends on a rather cliche note – Louie’s homecoming.

It is because of Jolie’s failure to include such vital scenes and an emotional connection that I give this movie 3 stars. The film, although true to the story, fails to come full circle and leaves the audience wanting more.

The book, however, is absolutely phenomenal and incredibly moving. Hillenbrand writes with depth and skill, so much so that you feel as if you are in the story, fighting alongside Louie. If you are looking for a truly captivating story, Unbroken is for you.