That’s interesting to see another film was released outside the USA early 2013 that seems quite similar. Kidman is quoted as saying she was drawn to acting in the film due to its theme of forgiveness; so similar to ‘Unbroken’.
It is also reported that ‘Unbroken’ de-emphasized Christianity having to do with Zamporini’s redemption with his approval as it would boost the universality of the story. I don’t like that but I imagine some distributors refuse to market widely a Christian film so, it looks to have been a business decision. But I sense from reading about the making of the film and about Jolie’s embracement of Christianity during the filming that the message of Christ filters through and should in any event attract many people to learn more and hence will learn that Zamporini had pledged his life to Christ.
Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman are two heavyweights in the world of film but I read the reason ‘The Railway Man’ may not have had the same pre-screen chatter is because it was launched with the Cannes Film Festival in sight and without a USA distributor lined up. I read it was 40% funded by government subsidies of Australian art grants. Whereas ‘Unbroken’ is managed by Universal Studios with the Academy Awards in sight and already has USA distribution lined up to release it.
But the reviews for The Railway Man are good and I am going to see if I can do an instant purchase online. Thanks for the tip.
I saw it in theater here in Toronto. It goes back and forth between present day and the war. I rate it 7 out of 10 or 3 out of 4 stars. It is moving but his forgiveness would have made more sense if you knew of his faith.