Jolie says filming ‘Those Who Wish ...’ was therapeutic

Angelina Jolie, who plays a traumatized firefighter risking her life to protect a 12-year-old boy in the thrilling crime drama, “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” told Korean reporters in an online press conference on Tuesday, that she found the film to be a therapeutic experience.

Based on Michael Koryata’s book of the same title and directed by Taylor Sheridan, “Those Who Wish Me Dead” tells the story of Hannah, who struggles with PTSD after failing to save three children from a fire.

She then comes across Connor (Finn Little), who witnesses his father’s murder and is pursued by the assassins as she tries to protect him from the dangers that follow.

In the press conference, held via Zoom, Jolie explained that her experiences of parenting and directing helped her portray the character better.

“I loved that this character (Hannah) is so broken and overwhelmed, and what saves her is him (Connor). She finds a purpose in helping him get through and survive. That’s what parenting can often do. My life has been enhanced through my love for children. You live for someone else and that gives you strength,” she said.

“With every film I directed, I learned and changed a lot. I’ve become an even more understanding actor who’s able to support the director.”

The production team rigged an enormous forest and burnt it down to bring authenticity to the film.

“The forest was in the desert. When we were filming, we could feel the heat of the fire. The great thing about director Sheridan is that he gave us the environment to help improve our acting,” Little said.

Jolie recalled that the most challenging part was having to be physical and emotional at the same time. “I was impressed with how Finn could stay focused during his emotional scenes under such circumstances.

“You live for someone else and that gives you strength. ”

Holding our breath underwater was challenging, but it was exciting as well,” she said.

The 45-year-old actress also explained that filming “Those Who Wish Me Dead” was therapeutic for her. “I wasn’t particularly strong coming into this, but to be able to get him (Connor) through the fire is. I wanted to take this journey and find my strength again,” she said.

Jolie added that she didn’t focus that much on portraying Hannah’s strength or heroism.

“I approached Hannah as somebody who isn’t brave. She just had to run from fire and help the boy. She never felt she was in control or brave. She was surviving the moment,” she said.

For Little, the hardest part of making “Those Who Wish Me Dead” was having to display a wide range of emotions. “It was emotionally draining sometimes, but I was able to push myself by thinking about how Connor goes through horrible things and runs from assassins,” the 14-year-old actor said.

Jolie shared that Korea has a special place in her heart as she has a long history with the country.

She made her first trip to Korea in 2010 to promote her film, “Salt.” The actress made additional trips in 2015 and 2018 to travel, discuss global refugee issues as a UNHCR special envoy and visit a college campus her son Maddox is attending. Jolie noted that her son is taking online courses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More recently, Jolie worked together with Korean actor Don Lee in Marvel’s “Eternals,” which is set for release later this year. The veteran actress said of Lee, “Don Lee is a dear friend. He’s brilliant, kind and such a good man. I hope to spend more time in Korea.”

Jolie added that she is open to creative opportunities to star in or direct a Korean film in the future. “There are so many brilliant actors in Korea. I would also like to be in a Korean film,” she said.

“Those Who Wish Me Dead” world premiered in Korea, May 5.