Ange 'doesn't need to be liked'

Angelina Jolie has opened up about her public image after her split from Brad Pitt, saying the only opinions she cares about are her children's.

Although it looked to be one of Hollywood's messiest divorces, the 42-year-old has revealed she doesn't need to be liked after her PR image took a hit during the early days of the couple's split last September.

"I never expect to be the one that everybody understands or likes," Ange told The New York Times. "And that’s OK, because I know who I am, and the kids know who I am."

The Maleficent star, who shares six kids with Brad - Maddox, 16, Pax, 13, Shiloh, 11, Zahara, 12, and nine-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - added that while she's had a "difficult" year, her brood have helped her find strength.

"They really help me so much. We’re really such a unit. They’re the best friends I’ve ever had. Nobody in my life has ever stood by me more."

"None of it’s easy. It’s very, very difficult, a very painful situation, and I just want my family healthy."

Ange also revealed that her decision to file for divorce from the 53-year-old actor, after 12 years together, was influenced by her work on new film First They Killed My Father.

"It took me a few months to realize that I was really going to have to do it. That there was going to have to be another base regardless of everything. That there was going to have to be a home. Another home."

RELATED: Brad and Ange divorce talks in 'high gear'

RELATED: Brad and Ange are 'back together' after intense spiritual therapy

Having made an appearance on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival with her family this week, Ange also confessed to People she's a "little bit stronger" after filing for divorce.

"I have had my ups and downs. I guess I am a little bit stronger. We all have our difficult times, but as a mother you also have a responsibility first and foremost towards the kids. They are going through their formative years and everything else comes second to that."

Meanwhile Brange's eldest son, Maddox, described his mum as a "wonder" to the mag, as he opened up about what it was like to work with her on the set of Ange's new flick.

"[She’s] fun, funny, and easy to work with. She’s a wonder," he told the outlet.

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram