Invictus Review

Invictus, the 2009 flick portrays the South African President during 1995, Nelson Mandela as well as the Rugby World Cup in 1995.

The movie is based on a book, ‘Playing the enemy: Nelson Mandela and the game that changed a Nation’, by John Carlin. It is an inspiring story in which Nelson Mandela along with the captain of the South Africa Rugby team, Francois Pienaar make efforts to reunite the entire country and free it from apartheid, crime and unemployment. Nelson Mandela targets the South African Rugby team to bring his people together through their journey to the 1195 World cup Championship. Nelson Mandela meets the South African Rugby team, Springboks’ captain, Francois Pienaar and conveys him the message that if their team succeeds in the world cup, then this can contribute significantly in the unification of their country.

Morgan Freeman plays the character of Nelson Mandela and has done a commendable job. Morgan Freeman has done complete justice to his role by not overly sentimentalizing it or by portraying him as a saint. He has emerged well as a good leader and a family man. Matt Damon, as Francois Pienaar has also done a fine job. The movie is completely focused on the relationship between the two. Some of the scenes in the movie are quite emotional. For instance, when the black and white members of the presidential security detail decide to serve together. However this is not an easy task since it is with much difficulty that the members agree to this. In fact, the scene in which Francois Pienaar is shown the cell where Nelson Mandela was held as a prisoner on the Robben Island.

The movie has earned a rating of 76pc , as reported by the website RottenTomatoes.com. The movie is quite different from an ordinary sports movie. It is a combination of sports, politics and emotions. However you may find the message songs irritating. The director, Eastwood has done a good job and tried to make the locations look as they appeared 14 years ago through CGI.

The movie has to its credit a number of awards and nominations. It has been nominated for various categories by National Board of Review (2009), WAFCA Award(2009), Broadcast Film Critics Association Award(2010), Screen Actors Guild(2010) and Golden Globes(2010).

Overall, the movie is a success and worth watching. Morgan Freeman has given a good performance. It cannot be termed as the best performance of the year, however he doesn’t fails expectations. But there is something missing in the movie. Apartheid has not been portrayed much in the movie which is the basis of the movie. It’s something which the director, Eastwood has taken for granted that it would be understood by the audience. Put together, the movie is nice and different if you overlook some of its flaws. Matt Damon is appropriate for the role and looks nice in the movie. I would give 3.5 stars to the movie. The movie comes out at as good and balanced.

TINN