Louis Zamperini: Captured By Grace

'Louis Zamperini: Captured By Grace' is a heartfelt documentary film released in 2015 that chronicles the inspirational journey of Louis Zamperini's life and his poignant transformation through faith. Directed and narrated by Archive Productions, this remarkable true tale blends historical footage with thoughtful commentary, providing a rich background of real emotions and circumstances that Zamperini had to navigate.

Filmmakers describe Louis Zamperini as part athlete, part soldier, and part hero. The movie offers an insight into Zamperini’s dramatic life, from his running days in the Olympics to his grim experiences as a prisoner of war during WWII and finally to his remarkable journey of self-discovery and redemption through faith. It showcases how Zamperini's indomitable spirit and unshakeable bravery stemmed from a potent mix of raw physical vitality and intensely powerful invincibility of the soul, which defined him as a formidable survivor.

The film begins by highlighting Louis' early life, recounting his troubled childhood and how the sheer commitment to running set him on a track to the Berlin Olympics in 1936. Aged just 19, Zamperini became one of the youngest Americans to ever qualify for the 5,000 meters race. These moments are captured via archival footage and narrated by Louis himself and Billy Graham, offering snapshots of his athletic prowess and the trials that helped shape his resilience.

Louis' harrowing experience as a World War II bombardier and Prisoner Of War (POW) forms the real crux of the film. During World War II, Zamperini’s plane was shot down over the Pacific, leaving him and his comrades without food and water for nearly seven weeks. They were eventually captured by the Japanese and suffered in a POW camp. The movie doesn't shy away from the brutality and horrors of war. Through narration and historical footage, we witness Zamperini’s endurance in the face of adversity.

But it’s not just a tale of survival; more profoundly, it's a story of redemption and grace. The movie endearingly captures Zamperini’s post-war struggles and the ghosts of his past he couldn't escape. Seeking solace in liquor, Louis was almost consumed by his quest for revenge on his captors until his wife convinced him to attend a Billy Graham crusade. Franklin Graham offers insightful commentary, revealing his father’s instrumental role in Zamperini's conversion.

The film takes audiences on Louis’ spiritual journey, from being a hardened war veteran filled with hate to a man transformed by faith – a powerful arc that constitutes the movie’s headline, ‘Captured By Grace’. The meeting with Billy Graham planted the seed of faith in Zamperini, setting him on the path of forgiveness for his captors. His grit and determination found a new outlet in his Christian faith, carrying his message of hope, forgiveness and endurance across the world.

'Louis Zamperini: Captured By Grace' is a heart-touching portrayal of a remarkable man's life - from his athletic highs and wartime lows to his spiritual awakening. The documentary provides historical depth and personal insight into the life of a man who remained unbroken, bearing his trials with courage, and eventually finding healing and redemption. The film is enriched by Louis' own narration, archival footage and thoughtful commentary by Billy and Franklin Graham, making it a must-see for those interested in true stories of resilience, war, and redemption.