Soundtrack by Kevin
The song "The Race of His Life" written and produced by Blake Neely deserves to be the main soundtrack of Unbroken, written by Laura Hillenbrand. The overarching theme of the novel was heroism, an idea which is clearly relayed to the listeners of the song. This song is initially met with a slow tempo which builds up to a climax. The novel is similar in terms of the slow start of the plotline; Zamperini was only a mischievous prankster who was always shadowed by his brother at the start of the book. As the song starts to pick up the tempo, so does the pace of the plot. Zamperini begins his training to become an Olympic runner and competes in multiple races, leading to his competing in the Olympic games. When the song reaches its climax, it symbolizes Zamperini being drafted into the war, facing his fear of planes and heroically flying into the battlefield on dangerous bombing runs. Midway, the song suddenly switches to minor notes and delivers a menacing tone. This represents Zamperini being abused by "The Bird" and getting consumed by rage. Zamperini's anger clouds his judgement even after the war, leading to his addiction to alcohol and his failure to hold proper relationships with his wife. The last moments of the song convey a positive tone, ending with a few seconds of silence. This represents Zamperini forgiving the prisoner-of-war camp guards and finding inner peace after meeting with the evangelical speaker, Billy Graham. In conclusion, "The Race of His Life" should be the soundtrack for Unbroken as it is able to fully relay the scenes from the novel and evoke emotions that the readers should experience through Aristotle's pathos. The song "I. Shinji" composed by Yoko Takahashi should be played in specific scenes within the novel. When Zamperini is met with difficult decisions, such as whether he should broadcast propaganda in order to have an easier life, he displays a wavering attitude towards his allegiance for his country. The song conveys a sinister tone which enables the reader to understand the inner struggle which Zamperini feels during these scenes.
Song Link 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DezBlUjljpo
Song Link 2:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWhkl7KScRM&feature=youtu.be
Song Link 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DezBlUjljpo
Song Link 2:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWhkl7KScRM&feature=youtu.be
Character Analysis by Ryan
Louie Zamperini
Louie, the protagonist of the novel, transforms from a rebellious boy into a record-breaking Olympian and a resilient war hero. Stranded on a raft in the Pacific Ocean with his friend Phil, Louie demonstrates his most exceptional qualities of optimism and a tenacious will to survive. He spends the rest of the war as a prisoner of the Japanese, enduring physical and emotional abuse from the Japanese guards with a fierce bravery. Louie’s unwavering dignity prevents even the most abusive guard, Mutsuhiro “The Bird” Watanabe, from breaking his defiant spirit. After the war, Louie suffers from flashbacks and alcoholism, but rebounds when he finds inner peace in Christianity, living out the rest of his life helping others.
Mutsuhiro "the Bird" Watanabe
Mutsuhiro Watanabe, the antagonist of the novel, is the cruel and psychopathic prison guard who singles out Louie for emotional and physical torture. He derives self-worth and power by using brutal actions to dehumanize the prisoners. Ever since he meets Louie, he tries to break him with every possible opportunity he gets, but always fails to do so. After the war, he marries a woman and lives a supposedly good life, never getting punished as a war criminal.
Pete Zamperini
Pete Zamperini is the beloved brother of Louie who finds the talent of running in him. When Louie gets off track in life and starts vandalizing the whole neighborhood, he gets Louie to join the track team. He inspires and encourages Louie to compete in the highest level and to reach his maximum potential. With the help of Pete, Louie becomes a respectable Olympian and is able to learn the characteristics to fight through the hardships he faced throughout the story.
Allen "Phil" Phillips
Allen “Phil” Phillips is the pilot on Louie’s bomber crew in World War II and Louie’s best friend during the war. After surviving the plane crash, he remained confident and good-spirited on the raft until he was captured by the Japanese Forces along with Louie. Although they were separated by the Japanese and were moved into different POW camps, the belief of meeting once again gained them courage and hope to fight through the hardships. Phil always stayed beside Louie in the toughest times throughout the story and both of them helped each other to make it through and get back home alive.
Louie, the protagonist of the novel, transforms from a rebellious boy into a record-breaking Olympian and a resilient war hero. Stranded on a raft in the Pacific Ocean with his friend Phil, Louie demonstrates his most exceptional qualities of optimism and a tenacious will to survive. He spends the rest of the war as a prisoner of the Japanese, enduring physical and emotional abuse from the Japanese guards with a fierce bravery. Louie’s unwavering dignity prevents even the most abusive guard, Mutsuhiro “The Bird” Watanabe, from breaking his defiant spirit. After the war, Louie suffers from flashbacks and alcoholism, but rebounds when he finds inner peace in Christianity, living out the rest of his life helping others.
Mutsuhiro "the Bird" Watanabe
Mutsuhiro Watanabe, the antagonist of the novel, is the cruel and psychopathic prison guard who singles out Louie for emotional and physical torture. He derives self-worth and power by using brutal actions to dehumanize the prisoners. Ever since he meets Louie, he tries to break him with every possible opportunity he gets, but always fails to do so. After the war, he marries a woman and lives a supposedly good life, never getting punished as a war criminal.
Pete Zamperini
Pete Zamperini is the beloved brother of Louie who finds the talent of running in him. When Louie gets off track in life and starts vandalizing the whole neighborhood, he gets Louie to join the track team. He inspires and encourages Louie to compete in the highest level and to reach his maximum potential. With the help of Pete, Louie becomes a respectable Olympian and is able to learn the characteristics to fight through the hardships he faced throughout the story.
Allen "Phil" Phillips
Allen “Phil” Phillips is the pilot on Louie’s bomber crew in World War II and Louie’s best friend during the war. After surviving the plane crash, he remained confident and good-spirited on the raft until he was captured by the Japanese Forces along with Louie. Although they were separated by the Japanese and were moved into different POW camps, the belief of meeting once again gained them courage and hope to fight through the hardships. Phil always stayed beside Louie in the toughest times throughout the story and both of them helped each other to make it through and get back home alive.
Image Analysis by Sophia
Louie became a U.S. Air Corps bombardier when he was drafted into the military service, leaving his running career behind. However, Louie was able to adjust well into his military life with his peers, thanks to his extrovert and enthusiastic personality. This is a picture of a B-24 bomber named Super Man, which belonged to the 42nd squadron that Louie was a part of. Super Man was more than just a plane to the crew; it stayed and fought with them as a team for most of their military experience, until it was badly attacked during a battle with the Japanese bombers. (Image Source: https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/ZAMP-and-HIS-SUPER-MAN-B-24-Unbroken-Louis-Zamperini-Story) |
This is a photograph of Louie (right) and Fred Garrett (left) when they returned to their home at California after they’ve been liberated from the Japanese POW camps and the war’s end. Louie Zamperini was a captive and a prisoner of Japanese soldiers for several years, and had to endure immense amount of physical abuses and emotional pain. Luckily, both men in the picture above were able to regain their health over several months after their liberation, but Garrett’s loss of a leg remains as a reminder of the tortures they survived. (Image Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2679214/WWII-hero-former-Olympic-runner-Louis-Zamperini-subject-upcoming-Angelina-Jolie-directed-biopic-dies-aged-97.html) |
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941 was an event that started it all. The Japanese planes arrived at the U.S. naval base in Pearl Harbor in the island of Oahu, then countless planes, ships, and people were brutally attacked, as shown in this picture. This was a shock for the entire nation, and the United States soon broke out of its neutral position and joined the war. At this time, Louie had finished his training as a U.S. soldier and was assigned a position of bombardier in the air corps. The news of the Pearl Harbor came as a huge surprise for Louie as well, and starting from this attack, Louie’s life changed drastically and his challenging experiences of the war began to emerge.
(Image Source: "Pearl Harbor attack: battleship sinking". Photo. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 04 Dec. 2016.) |
In contrast to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, this atomic bombing on Hiroshima marked the end of WWII. Following the continuous Japanese defeats and Allied victories, the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, and Nagasaki later on, as the final move to get a surrender from Japanese. This destroyed the Japanese cities completely and resulted in enormous number of casualties, which finally caused Japan to admit their defeat. As a result, the American captives held in all Japanese POW camps, including Louie, were liberated. Because of this historic moment, Louie was able to return home to his family and regain his health.
(Image Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-05/hiroshima-bombing-did-not-lead-japanese-surrender-anniversary/6672616) |
This image shows only a portion of the Japanese mistreatment of their POWs. In the photograph, numerous war prisoners are held in crowded, unsanitary barracks without any privacy; the men also look very thin and tired. But the uncomfortable truth is that this would be considered as one of the better conditions when compared to other Japanese POW or punishment camps. Louie was held in barracks that lacked blankets, extra clothes, or food, and they also prohibited any personal belongings. Along with these poor conditions, the captives suffered through continuous abuses, beatings, tortures, and endless labors ordered by the Japanese soldiers. Because of these dehumanizing conditions, the men lost their weight to the bones and suffered emotionally as well.
(Image Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/former-japanese-pow-i-heard-6220416) |
This movie poster presents a symbol and a visual representation of the story of Louie Zamperini and of Unbroken. The face of the actor, who has the role of Louie Zamperini, is the center and takes up most of the poster, informing the audience that this story is about Louie’s life. Another aspect that attracts the audience's attention is the tear of blood streaming down on Louie’s face, which creates a map of Japan. This symbol is hinting at the viewers that there’s devastating or painful experiences involving Japan in the story of Unbroken. The fact that this poster only uses the colors white and red, the colors of the Japanese flag, also suggests that this story is focused on Louie’s interaction with Japan. Lastly, the white and red Olympic symbol under the face adds on to the symbol of Louie’s relationship with Japan, but also represents his career as a track athlete. Therefore, both the novel and the movie Unbroken effectively uses symbolism and other literary devices to largely impact the audience.
(Image Source: http://www.christiantoday.com.au/article/angelina.jolie.tearful.at.event.honouring.late.unbroken.hero.louis.zamperini/18378.htm) |
This is another poster of the movie Unbroken, but it’s quite different from the previous poster that illustrates Louie’s interaction and painful experiences with Japan. This representation of Louie’s life focuses on his character and personality. The words included in the image, “survival”, “resilience”, and “redemption”, are all accurate descriptions of Louie’s life and character; he survived all of his life-threatening challenges with resilience and determination, and he overcame his trauma of the war with the help of God. The image of Louie holding a heavy beam is an iconic moment from his life that proved to his enemies of how strong and undefeatable he was. (Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unbroken_(film)) |
On the left is a picture of Mutsuhiro Watanabe, also known as the “Bird”, when he was a young corporal of the Japanese military, and on the right is the Bird years after the war’s end. The Bird had been the most abusive and brutal captor of Louie throughout Louie’s experience as a POW. The two had an intense and violent relationship for many years, and this greatly affected Louie’s physical and mental stability. Although Louie eventually came to forgive him, the Bird followed him in his dreams and flashbacks as part of his trauma for several years.
(Image Source: http://alchetron.com/Mutsuhiro-Watanabe-799933-W) |
This is a photograph of the Zamperini brothers: on the left is Louie in his track uniform and on the right is Pete who always supported his brother. Pete Zamperini can be described as one of the most influential person in Louie’s life, since he was the one to introduce Louie into running and completely changed his life around. He never stopped believing in his little brother, and because of this trust, Pete was able to shape Louie to be the honorable person that he is today. (Image Source: https://www.awesomestories.com/asset/view/Pete-and-Louis-Zamperini) |
This is a picture of Russell Allen Phillips, better known as “Phil” by the crew, who was a pilot of the 42nd squadron and a close friend of Louie. He always bravely led the Super Man crew and was respected by many of his peers. Phil went through similar challenges as Louie: he survived the plane crash and a drift in the ocean with Louie, and he also endured the Japanese abuses over several POW camps. Throughout the difficult events in their lives, Louie and Phil were the strongest support and hope for each other, and it is amazing that both were able to remain unbroken. (Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/463659724111846357/) |
Shown to the right is a photo of Louie (left) and Billy Graham (right) several years after the war. Billy Graham was a crucial person in Louie’s post-war life, since his preachings were able to guide Louie into living a stable life. Before their acquaintance Louie was suffering greatly from PTSD and had trouble adjusting back to his normal life; he was addicted to alcohol, frequently got into random fights, and was not taking his responsibilities as the head of his family. However, after he was introduced to Christianity and deeply inspired by Billy Graham’s speeches, he was able to overcome his trauma and learned to forgive all of his enemies.
(Image Source: https://billygraham.org/story/louis-zamperini-billy-graham-and-a-life-changing-decision-the-rest-of-the-unbroken-story/) |
Louis Zamperini lived an extraordinary life, and was able to prove his strength and resilience to the world. Countless challenges and obstacles tried to defeat him, and many didn’t believe that he would be able to survive through them; but in contrast to their assumptions, he survived to outlive them all. It is certainly logical for novels and films to be made of his amazing story, and for this story to be told throughout the world. (ImageSource: https://thesovereign.wordpress.com/2015/01/31/unbroken-louis-zamperini/) |
Discussion Questions by Sophia
- What can we learn from Louie Zamperini’s experiences of his survival and as a growing individual?
- What is unique about Unbroken when compared to other WWII stories?
- How do you think the story of Louie Zamperini can influence the world?
- How does Laura Hillenbrand presents the biography to the readers in an engaging, inspiring way?
- There are many “stages” in Louie’s life, such as his running career, drift in the ocean, Japanese captivity, or life after the war; which portion of his life do you think shaped his character and identity the most?
- How do other people in Louie’s life affect or influence him?
- What are some internal, emotional challenges that Louie faced?
- Why do you think the Japanese, and the Bird especially, brutally abused and mistreated the POWs?
- How can we help and support the veterans like Louie around us?
- If you have watched the movie, how does the novel compare to the film?