This Article is From Jan 02, 2015

Angelina Jolie Says World War II Hero Louis Zamperini Inspired Her to Embrace Spirituality

Angelina Jolie Says World War II Hero Louis Zamperini Inspired Her to Embrace Spirituality

Angelina directed Unbroken, a biopic on Olympian Louis Zamperini

Actress-director Angelina Jolie says she embraced her spirituality after growing close to Louis Zamperini, the subject of her film Unbroken and has come to the conclusion "we're not alone in the world."

The 39-year-old began to embrace her spiritual side after getting to know Zamperini, the American prisoner of war survivor and Olympian who is the subject of her film Unbroken, and becoming inspired by his journey through life, reports people.com.

When asked on what she had learned from Zamperini, she said: "When there is an obstacle, you have to rise to the challenge, not be overwhelmed by it. And we're not alone in the world."

Jolie, who raises six children with her husband Brad Pitt, feels that while she's certain there's something "greater" than human life, she's unsure what to actually call it.

"I don't know if there's a name for that - religion or faith - just that there's something greater than all of us, and it's uniting and beautiful."

She became close friends with Zamperini, who is portrayed by actor Jack O'Connell in the movie, while directing the film and was heartbroken when he passed away aged 97 earlier this year.

"It is a loss impossible to describe. We are all so grateful for how enriched our lives are for having known him. We will miss him terribly," she said in a statement at the time of his death.

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