What does Angelina Jolie have to do with Louis Zamperini?

Long before they collaborated on “Unbroken,” which opens nationwide on Christmas Day, Louie Zamperini and Angelina Jolie were neighbors in the Hollywood Hills. When Hollywood decided to make a movie about Zamperini’s life, the star actress was chosen to direct. “There is a saying: ‘Never meet your heroes,’” Jolie says.

Why did Angelina Jolie make Unbroken?

“I thought it was about heroics and a man that could do extraordinary things, and I wasn’t that interested. Then I realized what it was about — the strength of the human spirit. I wanted to take that journey and I’m happy I did because I learned a lot.”

How true is the film Unbroken?

Yes, Unbroken is based on true events. Zamperini, who died in 2014 at age 97, was a very real person, and the film tells the true story of his capture and perseverance as a prisoner of war.

Is Louis Zamperini a real person?

Louis Silvie Zamperini (January 26, 1917 – July 2, 2014) was an American World War II veteran and an Olympic distance runner. He took up running in high school and qualified for the United States in the 5,000 m race for the 1936 Berlin Olympics, finishing 8th while setting a new lap record in the process.

Did Angelina Jolie produce Unbroken?

“It will be hard to make a film worthy of this great man,” said Jolie in a statement. “I am deeply honored to have the chance and will do all I can to bring Louie’s inspiring story to life.” Jolie is producing Unbroken with Matthew Baer and Erwin Stoff. Universal will bring Unbroken to theaters on Dec. 25, 2014.

Did Louie Zamperini ever meet the bird?

Yes. Louis Zamperini met Corporal Mutsuhiro Watanabe (aka “The Bird”) at the Omori POW camp located on an island in Tokyo Bay.

Is Louis Zamperini still alive?

July 2, 2014Louis Zamperini / Date of death

Did Angelina Jolie write Unbroken?

Unbroken is a 2014 American war film produced and directed by Angelina Jolie and written by the Coen brothers, Richard LaGravenese, and William Nicholson. It is based on the 2010 non-fiction book by Laura Hillenbrand, Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption.

Did Louis Zamperini ever meet The Bird again?

In 1950, he visited a Tokyo prison holding several of his former prison guards. He forgave them. In 1998, Zamperini returned to Japan once again to be a torchbearer at the Nagano Winter Games. He offered to meet The Bird (who was thought to be dead but had resurfaced), but Watanabe refused to meet with him.

How long was Zamperini a POW?

A bombardier in the Army Air Corps, Zamperini was in a plane that went down, and when he arrived on shore in Japan 47 days later, he was taken as a prisoner of war and tortured for two years.

Is Louie Zamperini still alive?

Did Louis Zamperini get to see the film Unbroken?

Though Louie Zamperini, whose survival story is documented in Angelina Jolie’s new film Unbroken, died earlier this year, he did get to watch the film before his death. It was a moment that Jolie poignantly recalled at a press event today.

Why did they change the actor in Unbroken?

Unbroken: Angelina Jolie movie left actor physically sick and unable to stop crying.

Did Louie forgive The Bird?

In 1998, Zamperini returned to Japan once again to be a torchbearer at the Nagano Winter Games. He offered to meet The Bird (who was thought to be dead but had resurfaced), but Watanabe refused to meet with him. Zamperini forgave him anyway.

Why did The Bird despise Louie?

The Bird in Unbroken referred to Louie as “number one prisoner” and beat him daily. Louie tried to blend in with other prisoners and hide, but the Bird hunted him like prey and always found him.

Who is Louis Zamperini daughter?

Cissy ZamperiniLouis Zamperini / Daughter

Why was the bird so mean in Unbroken?

To Watanabe, whose mission in life was to command subservience, Louie’s boldness only made things worse. The Bird in Unbroken played a huge role in Louis’s life, even after he was liberated from the POW camp. The Bird in Unbroken caused Louis severe trauma that he dealt with for most of his life.

Did Louis Zamperini see Unbroken?

Though Louie Zamperini, whose survival story is documented in Angelina Jolie’s new film Unbroken, died earlier this year, he did get to watch the film before his death.

How did the actors get so skinny in Unbroken?

For his role as a prisoner of war, Domhnall Gleeson lost so much weight that his contact lenses stopped fitting. I had no idea that was even a thing, but he suffered through it for the sake of the story.

How long did Louie hold the plank?

He Was a Prisoner of War He remained in their custody for 2 years, during which he endured disease, starvation, and almost-daily beating from guards. Zamperini was pummeled with clubs, belts, and fists, and on one occasion, was ordered to hold a heavy wooden beam over his head. He lasted 37 minutes before passing out.