Angelina Jolie says becoming a mother revived her "innocent spirit".

The actress went through some dark times when she was growing up. However, she has finally found happiness with Brad Pitt and the pair have six children together. Angelina's priorities have changed since she started raising a family and her kids have restored her positive outlook.

"I had grown up as a pretty scary teenager who was self-destructive and who didn't have a good outlook on life," Angelina told British newspaper The Sun. "I had a pretty warped perception of the world. I grew up as this very carefree, happy kid then things turned darker for me.

"I'm just glad I was able to return to some of that innocence and beauty I had as a child when I started my own family, and my children brought me back some of that spirit."

The 36-year-old confesses that her Hollywood career has become less important since having children.

Angelina's primary focus is to spend time as much time as possible with her family.

"First and foremost comes my family and my life with Brad. We have so much joy in raising our children and teaching them about the world that nothing really compares to that," she explained.

"Acting is just not as urgent or necessary for me anymore. I needed acting earlier in my life because it was very therapeutic for me.

"When you have a big family you just give up your personal life at a certain point.

"As somebody who likes to be alone, I surprise myself that I'm very happy to be surrounded by everybody in my family. I feel that comfort."

Angelina is currently promoting her directorial debut In the Land of Blood and Honey.

The movie is set during the Bosnian War in the 90s, where a Serbian soldier re-encounters a Bosnian woman who's now a captive in his camp.

Angelina felt overwhelmed by the pressures that came with directing a feature film. However, she has praised Brad for supporting her through the experience.

"Brad has stood by me every step of the way," she smiled. "He took charge of the kids while I was away filming and was always encouraging me and telling me not to doubt myself.

"Just before I started doing press for the film, I came home and started crying in Brad's arms because all my doubts and fears suddenly resurfaced. And I'm someone who very rarely cries."