Normally when I review a film that stars Angelina Jolie, my first few paragraphs are usually dedicated to my not understanding her popularity. However, considering the subject matter of "A Mighty Heart", it would be a disservice to the life and death of journalist Daniel Pearl if I wasted a lot of time there. It was February of 1992 when I first started hearing about the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Daniel Pearl. It was all over the news how he was kidnapped by Al Qaeda operatives, only to have a videotape released showing his beheading at the hands of men hidden behind masks. The masks, of course representative of the cowardly nature of the animals who are a part of Al Qaeda. Initially there were only pictures to be found in the news media, but against my usually non-voyeuristic nature I actually searched the Internet until I found the actual video of it. To say I was sickened by these cowards's act is an understatement.

Before I go any further, I do feel it is prudent for any journalist worth his salt to point out his or her feelings towards the current 'war', moreover because of my statements about al Qaeda's members. Do not mistake my disdain for their actions as a supporting gesture of this war; I am actually quite against it as are any right-thinking Americans. But before I start getting on any platform, again I will stop there.

In "A Mighty Heart", Jolie stars as Mariane Pearl, wife of the slain journalist. And it is perhaps one of her only truly fine performances. He we learn of her actions and determination to find her husband in the days following his abduction. Through her eyes we see the myriad of people who were dedicated to narrowing down his whereabouts and hopefully rescue him unharmed. It is a powerful film, shot in a very naturalistic, almost documentary style by director Michael Winterbottom. The real Mariane's strength is powerfully recreated through Jolie, even the simple fact of their resemblance to each other elevating the emotion to a level difficult to watch, considering we already know the tragic outcome.

Paramount is releasing the DVD this month, and upon first viewing I have to wonder if there is a double-dip special edition in the future. This DVD only offers a thirty minute making of featurette, which in its limited time allows quite a bit of behind the scenes information but begs for more. Additionally there is a short feature on the committee that has been formed to protect the rights and lives of journalists as well as a PSA announcement for the Daniel Pearl Foundation. My hope is that a future edition might have a lot more information about what happened after. There are tons of news reports and specials that could be added.

"A Mighty Heart" is an excellent film, and one that should be viewed so that we may appreciate the dangers faced by those whose only wish is to reveal the truth.

Directed by: Michael Winterbottom
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Dan Futterman
Extras: Committee to Protect Journalists, The Making of A Mighty Heart, Daniel Pearl Foundation PSA
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 10/16/2007
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
Website

We'll give A Mighty Heart an A.