Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

You are probably familiar with the events surrounding the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Wall Street Journal writer Daniel Pearl. Working as a journalist in Karachi, Pakistan, Mr. Pearl was abducted while pursuing an interview. The film A Mighty Heart was presented in a docudrama style and focused on the efforts of Pakistani and U.S. authorities to rescue Mr. Pearl.

Based on the book by Pearl?Äôs widow, Mariane Pearl, Mme Pearl was well portrayed by Angelina Jolie. At the time, Mariane Pearl was pregnant and the Pearl?Äôs were wrapping up their assignment in Pakistan. During the course of the movie, Ms. Jolie conveys the range of emotions that the real-life Mme Pearl probably experienced. The film even touches on Mariane Pearl?Äôs faith in Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.

Appropriately directed by Michael Winterbottom, A Mighty Heart has carried some controversy about casting Angelina Jolie as Mariane Pearl because the real Mme Pearl is part Cuban and a French citizen. Critics felt that the actress selected to play Mariane should have been more ethnically accurate. The project was kind of personal for Ms. Jolie as Brad Pitt was the producer so the reasons for casting her are obvious. Again, Angelina?Äôs performance was outstanding, so I think you as the viewer will probably quickly overlook her race.

Though the movie depicts a sad episode, I was impressed by how the story ended, offering some closure and a stepping stone to the path of moving on. Asked if she had a message for the people of Pakistan, Mariane Pearl replied that the same month her husband was abducted and killed, ten other Pakistanis experienced the same fate.

Pearl?Äôs son Adam and Mariane live in France now. Yes, Mme Pearl still works as a journalist.

Please click the URL below to access the movie website:
http://www.amightyheartmovie.com/

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