he movie is engrossing and well-acted throughout ... but ultimately leaves us less optimistic about the prospects for peace.
A Mighty Heart (2007)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:181
Fresh:139
Rotten:42
Average Rating:7/10
Consensus: Angelina Jolie conveys the full emotional range of a woman in a desperate situation in A Mighty Heart, an urgent yet tactful film about a difficult subject.
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins
Genre: Dramas
US Box Office: $9,093,521
Synopsis: Prolific director Michael Winterbottom (24-HOUR PARTY PEOPLE) takes an unusual turn by helming A MIGHTY HEART--a studio picture starring none other than Angelina Jolie. Jolie stars as Mariane... Prolific director Michael Winterbottom (24-HOUR PARTY PEOPLE) takes an unusual turn by helming A MIGHTY HEART--a studio picture starring none other than Angelina Jolie. Jolie stars as Mariane Pearl, the widow of WALL STREET JOURNAL reporter Daniel Pearl. Daniel was kidnapped and executed in Pakistan in 2002, and Winterbottom's film centers on the frantic activities leading up to his death. Fellow journalist Mariane revs into action as soon as the disappearance of her husband is announced, calling on the FBI and experts in terrorism to help in the desperate search. With the media circling around the story like hawks, Mariane endures a very public display of grief, and her plight is perfectly captured by the unlikely alliance of Winterbottom and Jolie. The film was shot mostly in Karachi and uses locations that Daniel was known to have visited, adding a heady dose of authenticity to the proceedings. Winterbottom uses shaky, hand-held cameras, which add to the feeling of chaos as multiple organizations descend on Pakistan in the quest to find Daniel; fortunately the director uses some much-needed on-screen captions to make sure viewers are up to speed on who everyone is. A MIGHTY HEART is tough, emotional viewing that will be challenging (yet rewarding) for many audiences, even those who are already familiar with this heartbreaking story. [More]
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Irrfan Khan, Archie Panjabi
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Irrfan Khan, Archie Panjabi, Will Patton, Denis O'Hare
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Screenwriter: John Orloff
Producer: Brad Pitt, Andrew Eaton, Dede Gardner
Composer: Harry Escott, Molly Nyman
Studio: Paramount Vantage
Reviews for A Mighty Heart
Winterbottom wants to create a you-are-there, semi-documentary-style environment, which doesn't leave any room for self-indulgent star turns. Jolie doesn't give him one...
Winterbottom avoids a documentary format but the movie is so lacking in suspense that it becomes the equivalent of a talking heads doc. Without Jolie's fine performance, the project could be easily dismissed.
doesn't offer a whole lot other than atmosphere and a stellar performance by Jolie
Whether intended or not, this casting [Jolie] simply smacks of self promotion and image branding...
The only drama comes in the waiting, which eventually becomes tiresome.
Winterbottom’s gritty sensibility and feel for geopolitical realities is perfect for the film. There’s no room for Hollywood gloss — and no need for it.
He [Winterbottom] approaches his subjects as very, very real, not just fodder for topical films.
...if you're familiar with the story, the movie whizzes by without leaving you with fresh revelation or insight. If you don't know it, all Winterbottom presents is a series of facts leavened with small, tight emotions.
It reminded me, in a way, of the reaction of Grace Zabriskie’s character to the death of her daughter, Laura Palmer, in the late, great Twin Peaks.
Why not cast a Thandie Newton, a Kerry Washington, even a Halle Berry in the lead, unless one actress happens to be sleeping with the producer?
Just two years ago Jolie swapped flying bullets and heated saliva with Brad Pitt in the crowd-pleasing Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
Director Michael Winterbottom and a fine cast headed by Angelina Jolie crafted an intricate policier that's both suspenseful and thoughtful.
Honesty and courage are the main virtues of A Mighty Heart, which strives to shed light on dark times. Central to it is Jolie's laudable performance.
This movie does not fully separate itself from our admittedly low -- even slightly shameful -- expectations, does not become the pure documentary it might perhaps better have been.
Though it's difficult to watch, the film is nonetheless inspiring: a portrait of strength and character, through unimaginable difficulty, responding not with hatred but with hope.
Shooting in what often appears to be available light, and with a handheld camera that he has tamed sufficiently to prevent motion sickness, Winterbottom keeps the picture moving along like a thriller.
Much of A Mighty Heart plays like a documentary. It feels truthful instead of puffed up to be more commercial.
Moments of tension quicken almost unbearably, and no one is immune (the crowds are like nerves multiplied).
Latest News for A Mighty Heart
January 29, 2009:
Screenwriter Set for Ian Fleming Biopic ![]()
"Fleming," the Ian Fleming biopic being produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way, has itself a writer: John Orloff, who penned "A Mighty Heart." More...
September 30, 2008:
Trailer & Poster review ![]()
More...
December 21, 2007:
Awards Mania: Spirits, SAGs Get Waivers, Announce Nominations; Uncertainty Surrounds Golden Globes
Just when you think awards season can't get any awards-ier, here come two more sets of nominations! More...
December 14, 2007:
Atonement, Control Lead London Film Critics Noms
The London Critics Circle has announced the nominees for its year-end awards, with Anton Corbijn's Control and Joe Wright's Atonement leading the pack at eight nominations apiece. More...
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