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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.
Theatrical Release:21-09-2007
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... [More]
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman, Irrfan Khan, Archie Panjabi
Director: Michael Winterbottom
This mix of deeply subjective and starkly observational images, something of a signature for Winterbottom, makes A Mighty Heart a complex, disturbing film, and almost grants it release from its overwhelming star center.
Yes, Angelina Jolie is more than a tabloid headline. She also is a fine actress. She proves that here in "A Mighty Heart," a dramatic recreation of the events before and during the kidnapping and death of journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.
he movie is engrossing and well-acted throughout ... but ultimately leaves us less optimistic about the prospects for peace.
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.
Top CriticThough 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.
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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