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If you do one thing this month, see Invictus. Forget Christmas, forget New Year's, get up from your computer, and go to the theatre to see this movie. Okay, don't forget the holidays, but DO go see this movie sometime. Soon.
Oscar winner Clint Eastwood’s newest film Invictus is based on the true story of South Africa in the years following apartheid; as Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) is elected President. To reunite his racially divided nation, Mandela asks Springbok Rugby Captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to be an inspiration for the country, by playing well in the upcoming 1995 Rugby World Cup.
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In the beginning of the movie, the Springboks are playing terribly, losing games, and being verbally attacked by a sports reporter for being so bad. This rugby team has only one black player on the entire team, and is hated by nearly all black South Africans. As Mandela takes office, he sees the problems his country is having with finance, food and housing, but to him the biggest problem in his nation is the racial division, and the lack of unity. Through the victories the team starts to have, the country begins to come together, leading up to the final rounds in the World Cup.
Morgan Freeman’s acting is spectacular, as he becomes Nelson Mandela before you eyes. Previously winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Million Dollar Baby, Freeman sets himself up to be nominated for Best Actor in this year’s Academy Awards. From his accent, to the way he walks, and even moves his body, you forget that Freeman is acting, and the story becomes real. The supporting cast is not to be overlooked, but Freeman’s commanding presence steals the show.
The cinematography in the film captures both the beauty and the poverty of South Africa. Through gorgeous panning aerial shots, you get a view of Johannesburg and Pretoria, and wealthy parts of South Africa butting up against the blue-green Indian Ocean. Then in a stark contrast, the camera takes you to the slums, visiting children collecting clothes from a mission and returning to their metal houses. The camera captures the excitement of the crowd at the World Cup, and both the determination and defeat experienced by the Springboks throughout their journey.
Overall, this movie was great. The story was inspiring, with enough sport for the sports fan, but not so much to isolate those who don’t like sports. With the small exception to the animated World Cup crowd of 65,000 people, I loved every part of this movie. I think it should be nominated for best picture, and Morgan Freeman should be nominated for best actor. Absolutely see this movie. 5 stars. |
