Louis Zamperini, an Italian-American, achieved a lot in his 97 years. The son of immigrants, he set records in track and field, was a bombardier in WWII, and an evangelist. At Torrance H.S. in California he set the record for the interscholastic mile, 4:21.2. He qualified for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin and finished eighth in the 5000 meters in front of Hitler. In 1938 at USC he set the collegiate record for the mile, 4:08. Roger Bannister did not break the four-minute mile until 1954. Zamperini's plane was shot down in the Pacific in 1943. He and a crew member drifted on a raft for 47 days until captured by the Japanese. Another died during the ordeal. Zamperini spent two years in prison camps and suffered horrible abuse. These events are the subject of Angelina’s Jolie’s first film as a director,
Unbroken (2014), a solid debut. For some reason critics were not kind to it or her. It is not a great film -- it is too similar to many others -- but it is certainly not one to be ashamed of. I watched it last night, courtesy of Netflix. Its main fault, if it can be called one, is its length, 2:17, but that can be chalked up to the desire to be thorough, faithful to the story. However, the depiction of the atrocities seems like overkill. Jack O'Connell acquits himself well in the lead, another Brit effortlessly playing a Yank. Jolie will probably get more work at the helm if she wants, as the film made money, bringing in $115 million in the U.S. alone on a budget of $65 million. I was surprised to learn the screenplay was done by Joel and Ethan Coen (with two others), as it does not contain any of the quirkiness for which they are famous. Almost 85,000 users at IMDb have rated the film, forging to a consensus of 7.2 of ten. On a scale of five, I rate it three. Zamperini suffered post traumatic stress disorder and was encouraged by his wife to attend a Billy Graham crusade. The message hit home. Born again, he became an evangelist, his main theme forgiveness. He is a subject in two books: the historical novel
Flight from Berlin by David John, and the book by Laura Hillenbrand on which the film is based. He was a torch bearer at the L.A. Olympics in 1984 and, at the age of 88, the winter Olympics in 1998 in Nagano, Japan, not far from where he was held captive. He is an inspiration. Here’s a picture:
It's a good thing I brought two David Baldacci thrillers for Jack of Chase because I sold only one other book besides those. My thanks. The highlight of the session was, of course, the constant parade of excited kids in Halloween garb. I hope I don't end up eating the candy I bought this morning at Stop n Shop. Most years hardly anyone comes trick or treating in the building. I suppose they load up at area stores and banks.
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
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