Invitus is centered around the South African based 1995 Rugby World Cup, where a new apartheid free South Africa take their first step on the world stage. The central figure in the story is Nelson Mandela, in a role that Morgan Freeman was born to play, and the film follows his struggle to unite the nation under the new flag – overcoming generations of prejudice and distrust.
Joining Mandela as a uniting force in South Africa is Francois Pienaar (an excellent Damon) the Rugby captain who Mandela asks to spearhead his campaign. The problem is that the Springboks are seen as the ‘white’ side of South Africa and bringing people together under the new flag is going to be a difficult job. Can Mandela use sport to unite a fractured nation?
Well rugby fans will know the history of this match – and for anyone else who doesn’t I'm not going to spoil the outcome of the final match with the Springboks and the All Blacks. As for the film itself it takes an interesting slant on South Africa's recent past and looks at the early hangover from apartheid and Mandelas recent release from prison. Eastwood directs well the film looks great and the two leads have morphed seamlessly into their respective characters – for that alone this film is worth viewing.
Mandela in life is the closest person to a living saint – and these are credentials that are not questioned in this film. Every speech he makes takes him closer to being a deity – is the man never angry / frustrated or even sharp with people? Maybe this is the sort of film that is looking but not digging into South Africa’s recent past and subsequently although its good there’s something slightly lacking.
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast:
Morgan Freeman – Nelson Mandela
Matt Damon – Francois Pienaar
For the official website click here
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