“A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory.”
– Pete Zamperini (Unbroken)
I saw the movie before I read the book. I am not going to say that was a mistake, but if you don’t know the full extent of the story, it makes it more difficult to appreciate the deeper significance of the overall story. I would argue that the movie is a sugarcoating of what took place. That being said, the movie is still well worth the watch.
Unbroken is a true story about an Olympic runner that joined the Army Air Corps during World War II. The plane went down over the open ocean and what follows can only be described as a nightmare that continues to compound for the next 2 years. The fact that this story is true blows my mind.
The movie title, Unbroken, says everything you need to know going in. Through adversity, horror, hopelessness, and what would have broken the spirit of most others, Louis perseveres and never gives up.
Unbroken is one of those teachable stories that serve to remind you no matter how bad you think you have it, things can always be worse. Be thankful for what you have, work hard for what you don’t, and no matter how difficult the situation, so long as you live, breathe, and maintain hope, good things can be right around the corner.
Journeyman's Legacy 