Movie Review of Invictus
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Lori McCreary
Review:
Set amongst the backdrop of birth of South Africa as a new nation still scarred by the evils of Apartheid and racial discrimination, Invictus is the story of Nelson Mandela aims at uniting a divided and wounded nation through one of their favorite sport, Rugby. Based on John Carlin’s novel Playing the Enemy, it is an inspiring saga of one man’s struggle to gain true freedom for his independent country from all forms of social and racial discrimination and injustice.
Invictus opens with the conduction of first election in newly liberated South Africa and Nelson Mandela’s (Morgan Freeman) election as the President. Even though his country faces many socio-economic problems which demand his immediate attention, Mandela chooses to address the one he feels is the most pertinent Apartheid. This decision is wrought upon by a game of their national rugby team, Springboks which is booed by the audience because of the team’s previous racial antics. Since South Africa would host the Rugby World Cup in 1995 Mandela wants the team to win over the backing of black population as well and win the tournament in order to unify the nation. Mandela recites the poem Invictus to Pienaar, (Matt Damon) the team captain, which had greatly motivated him during his imprisonment. Both Mandela and Pienaar face criticism and disapproval by their colleagues but still carry out their decided plan. Pienaar trains his team well and the tournament begins. The grueling journey of the team to the finals and edge-of-the-seat final match are Invictus’s high points.
Like his other movies Eastwood lends the same sentimental magic to Invictus as well but the movie fared just average with the critics because of its overlong script and a slow-paced narrative. It is however a treat to watch Freeman’s portrayal of Madiba and the soul-stirring connection he makes with the audience.
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