Invictus (2009)

February 10, 1992 and the apartheid comes to an end with Nelson Mandela elected to the presidency. In his search to unite the people of South Africa, Mandela (Morgan Freeman) turns to the leader of the country’s rugby team—Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon). Challenged by Mandela to help him unite their country, Pienaar sets out to win the 1995 World Cup.

Director Clint Eastwood brings real-life events to the big screen. Adapted from a memoir, Eastwood locks in two fine performances from Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. Without these two, Invictus would be another formulaic feel-good drama.

Freeman makes Mandela—of whom I know little—interesting. The very embodiment of ‘being the change you want to see in the world’, as Mandela, Freeman spouts wisdom beyond his years. The film gives us an enigma. Damon owns his performance with conviction. He nails the accent and provides us with an understated, determined man in Francois Pienaar. Equally as interesting is the game of rugby. Intricate cinematography, on and off the field, along with stunning scoring by Kyle Eastwood creates a beautiful production.

As I see it, Invictus is not Eastwood’s best. But he’s a fine director and anyone investing in this drama won’t be disappointed.