"Secrets of Shining Women," an interview series exploring the secrets of women who excel in various fields, including work and home, is about to begin. Our first installment features actress Angelina Jolie, whose lifestyle has garnered overwhelming support from Japanese women.

In the first part, we interviewed her during her visit to Japan for the Japan premiere of "Maleficent," which opens on July 5th. This film depicts the Disney animated film "Sleeping Beauty" from the perspective of the evil fairy, Maleficent. Her words, as the lead actress, reveal her lifestyle and philosophy.

--What attracted you to the film "Maleficent"?

I think it's a highly original work. It's also very rare for the main character to be a villain. It also contains a powerful message: no matter how different you look, how bullied you are, or how depressed you feel, you can overcome anything, and that this can be achieved through love. I hope everyone will understand this, but I think it's especially powerful for children.

It also teaches women how to regain their femininity and softer side when they have been abused or suffered some kind of injustice, and have become aggressive or negative.

--I heard you've loved Maleficent since you were a child. Was that why you decided to appear in the film?

I think the reason I liked her (despite her being a villain) is because I felt that traditional Disney princesses were one-dimensional and didn't have much strength. I also have a lot in common with Maleficent. I'm also very combative and like to take on challenges. The most important thing for me when choosing a project is that it be very bold and challenging from a creative perspective. There's no middle ground.

As for fighting, when I was younger, I often fought against myself, but as I got older and had children, those battles changed to being for my children, to protecting something I love, and I began to feel that it was a very good battle. Another thing Maleficent and I have in common is that we both experienced being awakened by love through our children. At first, Maleficent's powers were fueled by anger, but gradually her powers, born of love, the desire to protect, and maternal instinct, overcame her anger and hatred. The scene where her powers revealed the power they derive from maternal instinct was very moving. We all possess both of these powers, and we live our lives by making choices about how to use them. It's through these choices that we acquire true strength. --Did your relationship with your children influence the film? The scene in which young Princess Aurora runs up to me saying, "Up, up!" reminded me of when Maddox (Angie's eldest son) first came to me. Children give unconditional love, don't they? At the time, I (including Maleficent) felt completely unaware that such love was being given to me, and I didn't know what to do, so I didn't know how to express my emotions. Isn't it funny to see a scene where she, the most terrifying being (in the world), is scared of such a small child?

In this film, I tried to show more of my quirky and eccentric side for the children. My children were on set every day, and they decided on my voice tone. I also got their approval for the eye (makeup), set, and costumes. It was a role that I created together with them.

In Part 2, "Dissecting Angie's Fashion Philosophy", we'll unravel Angie's fashion.