Invictus

Once again we find ourselves in the most wonderful time of the year. Of course we have Christmas coming up soon and the end of the year...but now is also the time that Academy Award winning films tend to be released. Now, first let me say that I usually don't agree with what the Academy thinks about films (for instance the fact that comic book films "cough Dark Knight cough" NEVER get nominated for a decent award...with the exception of Heath Ledger) and most of the time I don't find the acclaimed films appealing. However, there are some Oscar films that I do enjoy greatly and a perfect example of this is Clint Eastwood's new drama, "Invictus."
"Invictus" is the story of Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) who has just been released from prison and soon after becomes president of South Africa. Mandela's goal is to put an end to the country's apartheid policies and unite blacks and whites to form a stronger nation. An opportunity arises when Mandela observes a Rugby match for South Africa's team, the Springboks. The country is disgraced by the Springboks but Mandela has faith and summons team captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) to have tea with him in his office. Mandela encourages Pienaar to get inspiration to improve his team and have a chance at winning the world cup. Mandela hopes that by doing this the country can also be inspired and come together as a great nation once again.
Now even before I went to see this film I knew I was going to be impressed. If the fact that award-winning actor, writer, and director Clint Eastwood doesn't get your attention, maybe the two award-winning actors that starred in the film will. Let me repeat....AWARD WINNING! This film is done by some of the best in the business and, mark my words, their reputation precedes them in "Invictus." Morgan Freeman plays his role brilliantly as the man who wanted peace, unity, and fellowship. I could feel the emotion, charisma, and attitude coming from Freeman as he played his role. Matt Damon also does a great job and Clint Eastwood's experience and talent shines through all aspects of "Invictus."
As in all sports related films, the makers of the movie have to find an attractive, entertaining way to shoot the sports scenes so that movie-goers will be entertained. "Invictus" is a great example of well shot cinematography. The rugby scenes are entertaining and are one of the things I looked forward to seeing the most as the film went on. The rugby sequences kept me on the edge of my seat and are filled with inspiration.
Others aspects of "Invictus" such as character development, pacing, dialogue, etc. are also carried out greatly. The dialogue is fantastic and I walked out with several quotes that I loved. Morgan Freeman once again delivers his lines greatly and adds even more to the enjoyment of the film. The film does a great job of showing how the characters, primarily Matt Damon's, transform throughout the film. We get to see how the personalities of many people are changed for the better.
One of the most important things a movie can have is a good message and Clint Eastwood tried hard (and succeeded) in getting many messages across in "Invictus." I felt that the main message is the importance of unity and fellowship. Throughout the film we see how Mandela dreamed that South Africa could be a better nation if they had the inspiration to do so. Mandela goes out of his way to make this dream a reality by the principles of fellowship, responsibility, and most importantly forgiveness. A quote in this film stuck out to me. It is when Mandela tells his assistant, "Now is also the time for forgiveness. Forgiveness takes away hatred. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon." Indeed forgiveness is something all of us need to embrace in order to grow in our relationship with others.
"Invictus" is a remarkable film about perseverance, forgiveness, and second chances that will surely pack a large punch of inspiration into almost every viewer. Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, and Clint Eastwood have given us a wonderful film that will undoubtedly win big when award season comes around. Three and a half stars out of four.
"Invictus" has a running time of 134 minutes and is rated PG-13 for brief strong language.