See Angelina Jolie's Intimate Photo With Unbroken War Hero Louis Zamperini

We're getting an intimate look at the inspiration for Angelina Jolie's upcoming film Unbroken.

In a just-released photo, the Oscar-winning actress poses with Louis Zamperini, the 96-year-old war hero who's amazing life is the subject of her new movie. The candid shot shows Jolie smiling and resting her head on Zamperini's shoulder with her eyes closed. Zamperini flashes a proud smile while sitting close with Brad Pitt's other half.

Jolie and Zamperini reportedly met one year ago when she signed on to direct Unbroken (based on Laura Hillenbrand's 2010 bestselling biography about his amazing life).

"Angelina is a human dynamo, and I know she will tell this story in the right way," said the war hero of his new pal.

"It will be hard to make a film worthy of this great man," Jolie also said in a statement. "I am deeply honored to have the chance and will do all I can to bring Louie's inspiring story to life…Like all readers of Laura's book and all people who love and admire Louie, I am a fan who has learned so much. He has made me a better person."

Zamperini's life story includes being an Olympic running star in the 1930s. After his athletic career, Zamperini joined the air force. During a 1942 mission, his plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean, leaving Zamperini and two others stranded at sea for 47 days.

Zamperini's incredible war story doesn't end there though. He was rescued by the Japanese navy on the 47th day and captured as a prisoner of war for years before eventually making it home.

Jolie is currently in Australia prepping to start filming Unbroken, which should hit theaters at the end of 2013.