Invictus (2009)

Directed by, Clint Eastwood__ Starring, Matt Damon & Morgan Freeman


Invictus is the inspiring and true story about former South African president Nelson Mandela, and his struggle to unite the republic of South Africa after years of bitterness and hate between the native Africans and the white "Africanas." Mandela finds that the solution lies simply within a game. Rugby, which for years has served as a channel for manifesting bitterness in this aparthied-torn country, is now the only hope of uniting it.


The only thing that got me into the theater initially was the fact that Clint Eastwood was directing it, which is an automatic selling point for me. I have never been a huge fan of sport movies, "Invictus," however is more than just a sports movie, it is the story of one of the most devoted and beneficent political leaders of all time. Mandela's love for his people was awe-inspiring, it is quite stunning to see how he sacrificed and devoted his life to the cause of uniting his country, and it bothered me that this story is not well known. In America, it seems like our media is so contaminated with dregs of Hollywood gossip, that we become ignorant to inspiring or tragic events that are taking place outside our borders, events that we can learn an immense amount  from. I find that films like Invictus, are necessary for the purpose of drawing our attention to more important current issues, and prominent historical events.


Now, this film wouldn't be what it was without the outstanding performances of everyone involved. I would say, that next to his role in, "The Departed,"(2006), this was the single greatest performance of Matt Damon's Career. Even though this is landmark performance for Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman stole the show. Freeman, who plays Nelson Mandela, demands complete reverence from the viewer. If Nelson Mandela is half the man he is portrayed to be in this film, then he is legendary. Morgan Freeman does him a great respect in this film, characterizing Mandela's Humble, wise, and warm-hearted nature, and his astonishing devotion to his people. I have never felt such respect for a person I knew so little about.


Along with Freeman and Damon's powerful leading performances were the admirable performances of all those involved. Eastwood drew the best out of everyone, and in doing so, was able to duplicate the intensity of the grievousness harbored in each side of the split African Nation.


All in all, it is a great film that tells an exhilarating story. It sends a necessary message about the importance of devotion and unity among a nation, and it does respect to the real life characters who strived to reach this unity.

My Rating: SPICY