Invictus
It remains a challenge to review movies based on real life stories, especially ones based on iconic legends who continue to champion dramatic impact on this planet. So, with that said, it is difficult to determine an accurate review of this film because it is hard to piece away commenting on film vs reality. No matter what, the reality of Nelson Mandela is something that deserves screen time, of which Clint Eastwood does a commending job. Should this film even remotely intrigue the masses to take interest in this figure, the world would likely benefit greatly from it.
Invictus provides viewers a small slice in time, one where Mandela fostered his anti apartheid movement by understanding subtle cultural values of people in his nation. The vision to bring common celebration to a split nation is fueled through investment in sport. Rugby to be specific. At one point Mandella invites the captain, played by Damon, of the team over for tea and raises a few important questions. Questions that we could all benefit from asking ourselves:
“How do we inspire ourselves to greatness when nothing else will do?”
“How do we inspire everyone around us?”
Think about them…
Watch the movie and let it inspire you and on whatever level you allow it to. Morgan Freeman as Mandela is stoic and perfect for the part. It is a movie sprinkled with a few cliche moments, but with an underlying message that is important to hear. Clint Eastwood, though Hollywood in style, presents us an opportunity to remind ourselves that challenges in life can be met and that the underdog can rise up.
It would be a hope that this idea can be recalled to our memories, and that maybe somewhere out there a rekindled support and passion for amateur and professional sport can be found. Here’s to the upcoming Olympians, for the reminder of why sport is important in society, to the vision of a great man, and of course to mad sales of the 2011 New Zealand Rugby World Cup!
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
*Invictus (from Wikipedia)
- Invictus
- by Pamela Hruska
- Published on December 10th, 2009
- Movie:
- Invictus
- Publisher:
- Warner Brothers
- Director:
- Clint Eastwood
- Cast:
- Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon,
- When:
- December 11th, 2009
- Website:
- invictusmovie.com
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Invictus
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