Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Written By: Anthony Peckham, John Carlin
Staring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge
Review:
Clint Eastwood is a great actor but is also a phenomenal director who truly knows have to craft films that are not only entertaining, but moving as well. Invictus is a film that is inspirational, unifying, and very intense at times. I personally feel as though Eastwood, Freeman and Damon should receive an Academy Award nomination for this film. Morgan Freeman is a mirror image of Nelson Mandela. This is very fitting since Mandela is a very commanding person, you have a very commanding screen presence in Freeman. Damon is also very good and has definitely gotten in shape after starring in The Informant, where he had to bulk up a bit. He fits the role of a rugby player perfectly and I think you will be happy with his acting both on and off the rugby field in this film.
The film follows Nelson Mandela after he took office as President of South Africa. After spending 30 years imprisoned by South Africa as a terrorist, Mandela emerged with love for his country and wanted to make a difference. In the first election where blacks were allowed to vote alongside whites, Mandela was elected President and was faced with some almost insurmountable tasks ahead. As President, Mandela wanted knew that he had to unify the people of South Africa to make a stronger country. Oddly enough, he saw rugby and Francois Pienaar as his hopes to win the 1995 World Cup.
The film does a fabulous job of representing the great divide that was present at the time between the people of South Africa. There was so much anger, distrust and uncertainty which was causing a lot of stress to the people. I am not one for enjoying a lot of historical dramas like Invictus on a regular basis. However, I am happy to say that this is truly a great film. I think that it has a bit of something for everyone in some respects. I hope and imagine that this film will be showed in History classes around the world to let people know about this great story.
One other aspect that makes Invictus unique is the fact that rugby is the main part of the film. There are not many films that capture rugby as a sport and for that there is a lot to be said. The scenes on the field during game play are extremely realistic and intense. The close up shots of the game play make you feel as if you are right on the field.
The Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a film to take the family to see that is not the traditional holiday movie then I recommend Invictus because it will not only entertain but inspire you!
Popularity: 3% [?]
I can’t wait to see it!
Great review, I loved the movie myself. Because there is so much Rugby in the movie, I advise anyone who is going to see the movie to hit up wikipedia so you know the basic rules of Rugby. Several people sitting around me at the theater were confused by the Rugby scenes and it prevented them from getting sucked into the drama.
Thanks Trapped in Philly, that is a good idea to brush up on your Rugby knowledge. I am glad you liked the film and hope others take the time to watch it!
Just because the events are inspiring doesn’t mean the telling of those events will be inspiring. The movie had moments that lived up to the story but generally fell short of anything moving. And the sports aspect was weak at best. At no point was it exciting to watch the games and no connection was made to what made them play better or become better as a team. It was a decent drama and a boring sports movie.
I’m always reluctant to sit down and watch a Clint Eastwood movie because I always think it’s going to be boring, but they are always riveting, and this is no exception. Awesome flick.
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