A Mighty Heart film
"A Mighty Heart" is a 2007 American drama film directed by Michael Winterbottom and written by John Orloff. It is based on Mariane Pearl's 2003 memoir about her husband, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped in Karachi in 2002 by supporters of Omar Sheikh. The movie details the search for Pearl, the efforts to rescue him, and the subsequent capture of his kidnappers. Although critics praised Angelina Jolie's performance as Mariane Pearl, calling it one of her finest, the film was a box office failure, earning only $18 million globally against its $16 million budget.
The production primarily took place in India and France due to safety concerns for the cast and crew. Some filming occurred in Karachi, but most was done in Mumbai. Jolie's casting drew criticism from some in the African-American community, as Mariane Pearl is mixed race, but Pearl herself chose Jolie for her role. The film received three Independent Spirit Awards nominations and several accolades for Jolie, including a Golden Globe nomination.
The movie explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, with critics highlighting its emotional depth and historical relevance. While most reviews praised Jolie's performance and the film's storytelling, some criticized its approach to Pearl's identity and the casting decision.