Unbroken
Performance & Direction: Unbroken Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Unbroken (2014) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Unbroken features a noteworthy lineup led by Jack O'Connell . Supported by the likes of Alex Russell and Domhnall Gleeson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Unbroken
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2014, Unbroken is a Drama, War film directed by Angelina Jolie. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jack O'Connell.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A chronicle of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II. The screenplay takes time to develop Jack O'Connell's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Jack O'Connell's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Thematic Depth
The film delves into universal human experiences including love, loss, identity, and belonging. It holds up a mirror to society, asking difficult questions about morality, choice, and consequence.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Unbroken
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Angelina Jolie, Unbroken resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Jack O'Connell, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Unbroken reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Unbroken Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Unbroken uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, war film directed by Angelina Jolie, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Jack O'Connell's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Unbroken adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Unbroken?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Jack O'Connell or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Unbroken
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $65.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $163.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Unbroken Budget
The estimated production budget for Unbroken is $65.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Unbroken
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Where to Watch Unbroken Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Hungama Play
Amazon VideoUnbroken Parents Guide & Age Rating
2014 AdvisoryWondering about Unbroken age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Unbroken is 137 minutes (2h 17m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Unbroken is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2014 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unbroken worth watching?
Unbroken is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Unbroken parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Unbroken identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Unbroken?
The total duration of Unbroken is 137 minutes, which is approximately 2h 17m long.
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How Unbroken Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Unbroken
There is always something more horrific about the stories from the Far Eastern theatre of World War II - and this one really does exhibit all too clearly the atrocities carried out on the POWs by their captors. Specifically, this feature concerns US Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini (a very much on-form Jack O'Connell) who is recognised by a soldier (Watanabe) who was previously a competitor athlete, and who is now tasked with guarding him. Vengeful, he now proceeds to make his erstwhile rival's life a living hell. We, as an audience, are spared little of the brutality and cruelty imposed on Zamperini - and on the prisoners in general - and though physically and emotionally exhausted, we find ourselves witnessing an astonishing demonstration of determination and pride in the face of this mounting adversity. Amongst a solid supporting cast - Domnhall Gleeson and Garrett Hedlund are great, but Angelina Jolie really has managed to elicit the best from her two lead men here with Miyavi, as Watanabe, superbly menacing, but in an almost pathetic fashion. It is quite a tough watch but certainly well put together and worth the effort.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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