Movies

Beginning in 1990 as Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) is released from his incarceration on Robben Island, "Invictus" skips rapidly to 1994, with South Africa still trying to shake off the remnants of apartheid that has divided the country for so many decades. Standing tall amongst the myriad of his nation's struggles, Mandela is a shining beacon to his people, an inspirational leader, who knows that the only way forward for his beleaguered nation is through reconciliation. Going against his political and medical advisors, he invests himself in the upcoming Rugby World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa in 1995 and enlists the support of the battling captain of the national team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon). He is sure that the Springboks' success in the tournament is the key to starting the healing of the wounds of his nation and bring the large black population closer together with the concerned and nervous white Afrikaner community. Freeman is terrific as Mandela, with the real-life icon quoted as saying that the actor was the only one who could play him. He brings a wonderful grace and poise to the role that commands respect from everyone around him. Damon does well in keeping his South African accent from chocking him, but is relatively understated as the Springboks' captain. Nevertheless, the film's biggest issue is that is it completely devoid of passion and intrigue (unless the viewer does not know the outcome of the tournament). Mandela's past is so well documented that the director clearly tries to ensure that the movie does not become a biopic. As a result, the plot seems rushed, even at the 133-minute running time, and the outcome rings hollow and cliched. The re-creation of the actual rugby matches is appalling; director Clint Eastwood would have been better served to use actual match footage than resort to actors, who clearly have no knowledge of the game. Considering the story and the acting leads, you really do expect better.