Angelina Jolie Picks Surprising Film That Changed Her Life—And It’s Not ‘Lara Croft’

Angelina Jolie, one of the most iconic actresses of her generation, has long captivated audiences with her remarkable performances across a wide range of films. From playing the adventurous Lara Croft in Tomb Raider to her Academy Award-winning role in Girl, Interrupted, Jolie’s acting career has been as diverse as it has been impressive. However, as her focus has shifted to humanitarian work in recent years, it’s clear that her acting journey has played a pivotal role in shaping her activism.

One of the most influential experiences in her life came during the filming of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, where her journey to Cambodia exposed her to the country’s devastating conditions. This experience, in part, sparked her dedication to human rights advocacy, leading her to travel to multiple countries to contribute to various efforts. Jolie’s commitment to raising awareness around human rights issues culminated in her co-writing the book Know Your Rights: And Claim Them, which explains the fundamental human rights of individuals under 18. In speaking about the book’s motivation, Jolie shared the anger and frustration she felt upon encountering children whose basic rights had been violated, including displaced children and young rape victims.

While Jolie has focused much of her energy on her humanitarian efforts, she continues to make occasional appearances in films, such as Those Who Wish Me Dead and Eternals—the latter of which marked her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite these projects, it’s her earlier work that remains etched in the memories of her fans, especially one particular role that stands out as her favorite: Marianne Pearl in A Mighty Heart (2007).

Directed by Michael Winterbottom, A Mighty Heart is a powerful film based on the true story of the kidnapping of journalist Daniel Pearl by the supporters of Omar Sheikh. Jolie portrayed Pearl’s wife, Marianne, whose determination and strength throughout the harrowing ordeal became the heart of the film. Reflecting on this role, Jolie explained that A Mighty Heart holds a special place in her heart because she “loved Marianne,” and because it was a film that “matters.” She also shared that the film was produced by her ex-husband Brad Pitt, adding a personal connection to the project.

Jolie’s admiration for the film and her role as Marianne Pearl highlights her passion for telling important, real-world stories—stories that transcend the screen and have a lasting impact. While her humanitarian work has since taken center stage in her life, A Mighty Heart remains a testament to her acting range and her ability to bring nuanced, complex characters to life. For Jolie, this role represents not just a professional accomplishment, but a deeply meaningful project that aligned with her values and commitment to addressing global issues.