Japanese musician Miyavi turns actor in 'Unbroken'

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Japanese musician turned actor, Miyavi is striking a new chord with audiences in the recently released film "Unbroken."

In the fact-based movie, Miyavi plays a merciless prison camp commander known as "The Bird." He takes a special, sadistic interest in Olympian turned prisoner of war Louis Zamperini.

"I actually trained in Tokyo how to use the bamboo stick and (learned) the behavior in the prison camps as the guard," Miyavi said.

The film's success has given Miyavi newfound recognition. He said he deals with pressures that come along with fame in stride.

"I just try not to forget that so many people were sacrificed on this story, even the prisoners, even the guards, everyone was a victim," Miyavi said. "I just tried to get rid of my ego... always praying, praying praying because it was so intense every day on the set."

Director Angelina Jolie says she needed to cast a great person for this role and she found that in Miyavi, who in turn found a love for acting.

"I learned many things from this experience. I would love to do something else," Miyavi said.