llj-83438 Fanatstic scenes and fabulous rugby sequences. Ignore the disappointing politics. They are a bore.

u-10052 Invictus is a story about perseverance and forgiveness. It is a story of failure and triumph. This is an inspirational story about a rugby team that refuses to give in, and succeeds despite all odds at mending its broken country. Nelson Mandela, played by Morgan Freeman, is the epitome of leading by example. He is an empathetic, but strong willed leader who is determined to see his country whole again.He forgives those who locked him away in a cell and subjected him to hard labor for 30 years, because he wanted freedom for his people. He realizes now that his past enemies are now his people, and he must guide them. He keeps the name of the Springboks, and interests himself in the sport of his country. He talks to crowds of people, any of whom might be an assailant, but he puts himself in danger to show that he is not afraid, that these are his people. He supports the culture of the white minority, even though they were his enemies. He also leads Francois, captain of the South African Rugby team, by giving him a poem for which the film is named. Francois is a sincere leader who wants the best for his team, and he tries to accomplish the goals that he and Mandela share, a victory for South Africa. Matt Damon plays this part extremely well, nervous when first meeting Mandela, serious when leading his team off the field, and fierce in the huddle. The poem that helped both Mandela and Francois preaches perseverance and strength under pressure. For while an enemy may beat you, he may not crush your soul unless you let him. This is a theme shown throughout the film that makes this story so inspirational.

l_rawjalaurence The sporting sequences in Clint Eastwood's film are so-so; despite the guttural grunts on the soundtrack, it's clear the actors will never be successful rugby players. The commentary on the game(s) is replete with expressions that would not be used in rugby-playing countries; this is inevitable, perhaps, when the film is aimed at mass audiences, the majority of whom are not au fait with the game's rules.Yet such shortcomings should not detract from a highly uplifting film that shows how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) not only managed to unify the country during that magical year of 1995, but preached a message of hope and forgiveness that everyone could understand. Director Clint Eastwood and screenwriter Anthony Peckham are very good at depicting South Africa in the immediate aftermath of Mandela's release, when the whites and blacks had to try to get used to living as equals. This is well illustrated in the subplot involving the security guards, led by Jason (Tony Kgoroge), with white subordinates who up until a few years previously had been arresting their black counterparts. With their sharp suits and stony expressions, the white guards, led by Hendrick (Matt Stern) look especially fearsome.Mandela's way of reconciling the two races was simple; not just to supplant one regime with another, but to try and reconcile everyone. Hence his insistence on preserving the Springbok name and colors for the rugby team. The sequence where he enters a meeting and overturns a majority black vote to ban the name is especially affecting; Mandela speaks slowly and in measured tones, without trying to antagonize anyone.The central relationship between Mandela and South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) has been cleverly handled. While Pienaar wants to adapt to the new South Africa, it's clear he is not sure how to do so, until Mandela invites him to afternoon tea. In this oh-so-tranquil of surroundings Mandela outlines his vision and the means to accomplish it, not by imposing his will on anyone but encouraging consensus. It is a lesson well learned; in the World Cup Final when South Africa are trailing the All Blacks, Pienaar calls his team together into a huddle and reminds them of why they are playing the game, not just for themselves but the entire nation.The title INVICTUS comes from a poem by the nineteenth century British writer W. H. Henley, emphasizing the importance of listening to the gods but remaining "the captain of one's soul." This is a lesson both Mandela and Pienaar are well aware of, as together they lead their country into a new era of national unity.

FilmBuff1994 Invictus is a great movie with a very well developed storyline and a terrific cast. It is a very powerful film with an inspirational message and a very inspired cast. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon both deliver outstanding performances, they are both actors that, while I always enjoy seeing them in movies, they tend to always play very similar characters, safe roles that they are use to playing, but they both play very different roles in this, and their voices are unrecognisable. The role of Nelson Mandela is one of Morgan Freeman's greatest performances, he completely owns this film, he delivers his dialogue with great passion and you could tell he did research in to Mandela to prepare. Powerful performances and an inspiring true story, I would recommend Invictus to anyone looking for a good drama or history film. President Nelson Mandela tries to unite a segregated South Africa by championing the national rugby team. Best Performance: Morgan Freeman Worst Performance: Marguerite Wheatley