Angelina Jolie’s impressive second directorial effort is the straightforward telling of an astounding true tale.

1936 Olympian Louis Zamperini was shot down during a bombing run over Japan, survived six weeks in a lifeboat and then a POW camp. This ambitious film stars Jack O’Connell (’71, Starred Up), the script was polished by the Coen Brothers, and it was shot by Roger Deakins.

A bit emotionally distant, but fast-paced and compelling. The man ultimately opted for forgiveness over revenge, and a coda featuring the real Zamperini returning to Japan—for the Olympics!—is highly moving.

Japanese title: Fukutsu no Otoko: Unbroken. (137 min)