Invictus – Review

On a lazy Sunday afternoon, there isn’t much I like better than an early movie to start my week off right, which is why I was surprised to count a total of eleven people, including myself, in the theater to see Invictus on its opening weekend, especially with its star-studded cast and crew. Then again, I live in Louisiana and the Saints were on TV. The lack of an audience made me a little nervous—maybe I missed the memo and this movie is truly terrible? This scenario is a perfect example of why you should give everything a chance.

Surprise number two of the day was exceptionally satisfying. Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, is based off the book, “Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation” by John Carlin. I originally expected this movie to be a classic “sports unifying communities/helping to over come differences, underdog makes a comeback, yadda, yadda, yadda.” Now don’t get me wrong, I love those movies. Remember the Titans? I cry every time I see it! Coach Carter? I could watch it a million times and it would never get old! Invictus was different though. It indeed had a background story of an underdog team, the South African rugby Springboks, led by captain, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), finding inspiration and inspiring unity; however, the main story line was Nelson Mandela’s (Morgan Freeman) point of view and his political smarts in the aftermath of apartheid South Africa. It starts on day one of his presidency and illustrates his unique way of solving a difficult situation. Freeman, Damon, and the entire cast were outstanding, and while I’m not usually a fan of Eastwood, he gets five stars for his directing in Invictus.

Now, after seeing the movie, I’m not surprised that of the eleven people in the theater, my cousin and I were the only two under age of forty. Another way this movie is different than your usual sports-centered film is that its target audience isn’t the average teenager. Because the politics and the apartheid after effects were the central plot, it seems more relatable to an older audience, one who remembers Mandela being released from prison, elected into office, and possibly even the epic triumph of the Springboks winning the 1995 World Cup.

My favorite thing about the movie was the cinematography. From the press conferences to the game footage, the camera work feels real, in the moment, like you’re watching live television and the whole story is unfolding before your eyes. It seems natural, complimentary to the storyline and excellent acting.

Had I been deterred by the audience and not seen the movie, I would have missed out on something special. 4.5 stars to Eastwood, Freeman, Damon, and the true star, Mandela.

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