This WWII drama, directed by Angelina Jolie, is based on the true story of Olympic runner-turned US Air Force bombardier Louis Zamperini. His story is a remarkable one (der - Lush Lips Ange wouldn't have made a film about him if it wasn't!) and this film captures it in a deeply compelling way.
The parts of the film (the majority of it) that capture Louie's time stranded at sea (his plane is struck down over the Pacific) with two other soldiers and his subsequent time in a Japanese POW camp are so unrelenting that it was almost painful to watch. A sign that the story is being executed well, to be sure. It's not easy to watch in that regard but it really is an amazing story and I would happily recommend seeing this one.
For more detail on the story, check out this 3.5 star review in Rolling Stone magazine.
Trailer here. Opens 15 January.