What Happened to Phil in Unbroken? Summary and Analysis
by Sooryaprakash D | Updated Jun 22, 2023
Unbroken Film Overview
Unbroken, released in 2014, is an American biographical war drama film directed by Angelina Jolie. It is based on the non-fiction book "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand, published in 2010. The screenplay was written by the Coen brothers, Richard LaGravenese, and William Nicholson.
The film tells the incredible true story of Louis "Louie" Zamperini, an American Olympian and Army officer. Played by Jack O'Connell, Zamperini survives a harrowing ordeal during World War II. After his bomber crashes into the ocean, he spends 47 days adrift on a raft before being captured by the Japanese. He endures captivity in various prisoner-of-war camps.
Filming took place in Australia from October 2013 to February 2014. The movie premiered in Sydney on November 17, 2014, followed by a London premiere on November 26, 2014. It was released in the United States on December 25, 2014.
The critical reception to the film was mixed, with praise directed towards O'Connell's performance, the cinematography by Roger Deakins, the sound design, and Jolie's direction. Unbroken achieved commercial success, grossing $163 million worldwide. In 2018, a sequel titled "Unbroken: Path to Redemption" was released.
What Happened to Phil in Unbroken?
In the remarkable story of "Unbroken," Phil undergoes a series of incredible challenges and triumphs. Phil initially meets Louie, and they find themselves assuming the crucial roles of pilot and bombardier, respectively, aboard the B-24 bomber named the Super Man. Phil's exceptional piloting skills come to the fore when he skillfully lands the severely damaged Super Man after a fierce aerial battle.
Following this accomplishment, Phil and his crew are reassigned to a different aircraft called the Green Hornet, which proves to be a disaster waiting to happen. The Hornet is tragically shot down, crashing into the Pacific Ocean. Miraculously, Phil, Louie, and another crew member named Mac manage to survive the crash, but Mac sadly succumbs to his injuries.
Phil and Louie face an arduous ordeal of survival, spending an astonishing forty-six days adrift in the vast Pacific Ocean. They endure extreme physical and mental hardships, battling hunger, thirst, exposure to the elements, and the constant threat of shark attacks. Their remarkable resilience and determination keep them going, clinging to the hope of rescue and refusing to succumb to despair.
Their miraculous survival takes a dark turn when they are eventually captured by the Japanese forces and become prisoners of war. Phil and Louie are subjected to brutal treatment and transferred between various POW camps, enduring physical and psychological torture at the hands of their captors. They are separated, adding to their anguish and uncertainty about their future.
After enduring the horrors of captivity, Phil and Louie are finally liberated at the end of the war. The weight of their shared experiences and the bond forged through their hardships remain unbroken. Phil returns home, where he is reunited with his love, Cecy, and they are finally able to marry. Phil's indomitable spirit, strength, and resilience, both in the face of the enemy and during his subsequent life, serve as a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
Phil's story, as depicted in "Unbroken," exemplifies courage, determination, and the unwavering will to survive. Despite enduring unimaginable challenges, Phil emerges as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Who Played Phil in Unbroken?
Domhnall Gleeson, an Irish actor known for his versatile performances, takes on the role of Phil in the film "Unbroken." With a career marked by notable roles and critical acclaim, Gleeson brings his talent and depth to the character of Phil, adding an extra layer of complexity to the story of "Unbroken."
Gleeson's portrayal of Phil captures the essence of the character's resilience and determination. Through his nuanced performance, he conveys the physical and emotional challenges that Phil faces throughout the film. Gleeson's ability to bring authenticity and depth to his roles shines through in his depiction of Phil's journey of survival and endurance.
As an accomplished actor, Gleeson has garnered recognition for his talent and has been praised for his contributions to the entertainment industry. His versatility is evident in his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and characters, making each role uniquely his own. Gleeson's portrayal of Phil in "Unbroken" further solidifies his reputation as a skilled actor capable of delivering compelling performances.
With his dedication to his craft and his ability to embody the essence of a character, Gleeson's portrayal of Phil in "Unbroken" contributes to the overall impact of the film. His performance adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, allowing audiences to connect with the character on a deeper level. Gleeson's portrayal of Phil stands as a testament to his talent and serves as a memorable part of the film "Unbroken."
Unbroken Cast
Jack O'Connell
Capt. Louis "Louie" Zamperini
C.J. Valleroy
Young Louis Zamperini
Domhnall Gleeson
Lt. Russell "Phil" Phillips
Garrett Hedlund
Lt. Cmdr. John Fitzgerald
Miyavi
Sgt. Mutsuhiro "The Bird" Watanabe
Finn Wittrock
T-3 S/Sgt. Francis "Mac" McNamara
Jai Courtney
Lt. Charlton Hugh "Cup" Cupernell
Luke Treadaway
Miller
Spencer Lofranco
Harry Brooks
Travis Jeffery
Jimmy
Jordan Patrick Smith
Cliff
John Magaro
Frank A. Tinker
Alex Russell
Pete Zamperini
John D'Leo
Young Pete
Vincenzo Amato
Anthony Zamperini
Louis McIntosh
William Frederick Harris
Ross Anderson
Blackie
Maddalena Ischiale
Louise Zamperini
Savannah Lamble
Sylvia Zamperini
Sophie Dalah
Virginia Zamperini
Actor
Character
Unbroken Plot
During a bombing mission in April 1943, Louis "Louie" Zamperini serves as a bombardier on a B-24 Liberator plane that sustains damage and injuries. Despite a tire explosion, the pilot manages to bring the aircraft to a stop.
In a flashback to his youth in Torrance, California, Louie's mischievous behavior and Italian ethnicity make him a target for bullying. His brother Peter recognizes his running talent and trains him to become a disciplined distance runner. Louie excels in the 1936 Summer Olympics, setting a record in the 5,000-meter race.
Returning to combat in 1943, Louie and surviving crew members embark on a search-and-rescue mission with an old plane. One engine fails, leading to a crash into the ocean. Louie, along with Phil and Mac, survives on two rafts.
After 27 days adrift, they encounter a Japanese fighter plane that damages the rafts but misses them. Mac dies six days later. On the 47th day, Japanese sailors capture Louie and Phil. They become prisoners of war and are interrogated for information. Sent to different POW camps, Louie faces brutal treatment from Japanese corporal Mutsuhiro Watanabe.
During captivity, Louie is given an opportunity to broadcast a message home but refuses to promote anti-American propaganda. As punishment, he endures severe beatings from Watanabe. After two years, Watanabe is promoted to Sergeant, and the prisoners are moved to the Naoetsu prison camp.
At the end of the war, Louie and the other POWs are liberated by the Americans. Louie tries to find Watanabe but discovers he has fled. Returning home to America, Louie embraces his freedom.
In later years, Louie marries and has children. He fulfills his promise to convert to Christianity, forgive his captors, and meet with some of them. However, Watanabe remains elusive. Louie participates in the Olympic Torch relay for the 1998 Winter Olympics and lives a long life, passing away on July 2, 2014, at the age of 97.
What Happened to Phil in Unbroken? - FAQs
"Unbroken" was released in the United States on December 25, 2014.
The film was directed by Angelina Jolie.
The film is based on the non-fiction book "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" by Laura Hillenbrand, published in 2010.
Jack O'Connell portrays Louis "Louie" Zamperini, the American Olympian and Army officer. Miyavi plays the role of Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Corporal Mutsuhiro Watanabe.
Yes, a sequel titled "Unbroken: Path to Redemption" was released in 2018. However, it is worth noting that the sequel focuses on a different period in Zamperini's life and has a different director.