Invictus Review

Director: Clint Eastwood Screenplay: Anthony Peckham, based on John Carlin’s book, Playing the Enemy Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Scott Eastwood Time: 131mins Age Restriction: PGL

Genre:

Drama

Summary Review:

Invictus is a moving film of a nation’s forgiveness, courage, hope and reconciliation that will leave you with a lot to ponder and, if you’re South African, with a deep sense of pride.

Synopsis:

Based on the true South African events of 1994 and 1995, Invictus is a film that tells the story of President Nelson Mandela’s inauguration after 27 years in prison. This was South Africa’s first ever fully representative democratic election. The following year, South Africa hosted the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the SA rugby team, the Springboks, went on to win.

The Invictus film captures Mandela’s conviction that a success in the World Cup will be a big step toward uniting the nation, hopefully bringing reconciliation among the races after the country’s many years of apartheid.

Morgan Freeman plays Mandela with great authority, while Matt Damon as Springbok captain, Francois Pienaar, succeeds at one of the best South African accents on film ever.

I must confess, I spent much of Invictus weeping – not because it was sad at all, but because, as a South African, I am exceptionally patriotic and this film really gave me a new perspective on the remarkable progress we have made as a nation. The scene where the Springboks go to a rural township to coach the young boys is particularly poignant.