Clint Eastwood is almost 80 years old and yet he's one of the best directors working today. Why? Because he consistently makes quality movies like this one. "Invictus", based on a true story, is an uplifting and inspirational film about the tremendous Nelson Mandela and his plan to use Rugby as a tool to put an end to Apartheid and make peace with the Afrikaners. With a great cast and an emotionally strong script, Eastwood has crafted another great movie.
Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela, the first president of South Africa, perfectly. He never misses a beat or ever overreacts. Instead he acts with a definite coolness. Freeman shows Mandlea as a somewhat gentle, sophisticated, and hugely couragous man. And who else in the world can play Nelson Mandela other than Morgan Freeman? No one. Everyone knows that this means only one thing. Oscars. And he will definitley recieve a nomination and be in serious contention for the award. Matt Damon, on the other hand, is not so bad either. In fact, he is very good as Farncois Pienaar, the captain of the South Africa Rugby team Springboks. Damon makes him a certified leader, playing him with the type of confidence that the best player on any team would have. With this said, Damon takes it down one notch when he meets with Mandela. He knows of Madnela's higher authority and gives him utmost respect. With these two giving tremendous, oscar-worthy performances, the supporting cast isn't so bad either.
The year is 1995 and the South Africa Springboks are a nearly hopeless team. They start off losing their first couple of games and are undoubtedly one of the worst teams. Mandela sees this but, being the type of man that he is, doesn't give up hope. Instead, he sees potential and the chance of being great. Though most realize that the chances are slim, the optimistic Nelson Mandela recognizes it as an opportunity. He decides to meet with the Springboks captain Francois Pienaar and challenges him to go beyond their highest expectations. Obviously not wanting to let the president down, Pienaar equips himself with a resilient type of focus. With the always inspiring Nelson Mandela and the 43 million people of South Africa, Pienaar lifts his team off the ground to accomplish what Mandela had told him to do. Go beyond expectations. The road to get there is both rigorous and rewarding.
Hugley entertaining from beginning to end, this isn't your typical sports movie. This is more about the srength of the human spirit and the seemingly insurmountable challenges one wouold undertake to achieve what is needed. Clint Eastwood seems to never forget his audience. And though this may not be his finest film, it is definitely one of his great ones. After watching this movie, I didn't quite get a grasp on the rules of Rugby. But what I did get a grasp on was the power of inspiration. It led to a unified country and an uplifted audience. You can't help but cheer.
Rating: 31/2 out of 4
