Zamperini, who died aged 97 earlier this year, became close friends with Jolie, 39, while they worked on the film together, reported People magazine.
"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.
"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," Jolie said, when asked what she learnt from Zamperini.