Invictus (Blu-ray + DVD Combi Pack) [2009]
Invictus (Blu-ray + DVD Combi Pack) [2010][Region Free]
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Rating
I watched the movie at its opening night here in the UK last night, and its themes are still resonating with me now. Clint Eastwood has given us a masterpiece, but the star is not Matt Damon or even rugby, but Morgan Freeman who is captivating throughout the movie as Nelson Mandela. Invictus is based on the book “Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation” by John Carlin.
Since 2006′s The Queen, we have become much more demanding of our stars in the portrayal of well-known leaders or celebrities. It is no longer enough for them simply to portray a few nuances of speech or the odd mannerism; we expect them to also look and sound like the real article. Just like the Queen, the movie also starts in the 1990s, this time with the release of Nelson Mandela; and like the Queen it also depicts an election, and a general feeling of euphoria following its outcome amongst those who supported the winner. However, South Africa was a place full of deep distrust and loathing amongst the old and new regimes and their supporters. Rugby was hated as a symbol of Apartheid, as was the name Springboks, and the green and gold of their playing colours.
Nelson Mandela notes when attending a rugby match against England, that whilst the whites are cheering for the Springboks, the blacks are cheering on England. He quickly realises the power of sport has and that it can be utilised as a unifying force in his country. With just one year to go before the world cup of 1995 – to be hosted in South Africa, it is a tall order to expect. Old divisions run deep and ingrained – at a National meeting it is unanimously voted to ban the name “Springboks” and the national playing colours (to something more appropriate for the new rainbow nation); whilst the Springboks themselves on the field are performing badly, having been resoundly thrashed by England. Nelson Mandela changes the minds of both sides, overcoming both these obstacles, and many others , to produce a winning team that has the support of all South Africans.
What is remarkable about this film is Morgan Freeman’s performance as Nelson Mandela. Not only is it a good likeness but clearly Morgan has studied carefully Nelson’s mannerism of both speech and movement- and reproduced them to great effect. There is also such humanity in his performance, that you truly believe Nelson is one of the most wise and enlightened people alive at the moment. One poignant scene in the film is where the Springboks are taken to Robben Island – where Mandela was held prisoner – to see the cell he was held in. Francois Pieenar closes the door behind him to completely feel what it was liked to be held in this small cell – no wider than the man with his arms held out wide. Despite his treatment during the Apartheid era, Nelson never shows any malice or desire for revenge towards those that held him captive for so long, but instead shows them compassion and reconciliation. Morgan’s performance is engaging throughout, as though Wisdom himself has been personified. You really feel sad, for not having had the chance to have met such a profoundly remarkable man. I am in awe of his courage and wisdom.
As for the rugby itself, fans of the oval shaped ball game will not be disappointed; nor those who are not really interested in the sport. For the non rugby fans, the rugby scenes are comparatively short, and it is more the backdrop and story around the games that form the bulk of the movie. The rugby scenes have been shot in a non-conventional way – not as you would shoot a rugby game if you were doing so for a live audience, but with a sequence of quick panning, ball-following shots which are quickly cut and give you the real feel for how fast this game really is, as having played rugby can confirm. In addition, there are shots shot within scrums and lineouts which give a sense of the brutality and toughness of the game. I remember the rugby World Cup of 1995 well, and wondered if a US funded film would capture all the details of the game correctly, such as the awesome phenomenon that was Jonah Lomu; the rain-sodden semi-final in Durban; and the thrilling final. I needn’t have worried: all of these are captured and even small details such as the correct main sponsors for the sport back in 1995 are shown in the stadium; the “sweeper system” they used to get the rain off the pitch in Durban; and many of the actors have more than a passing resemblance for those they are playing, especially the South African scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen. The final itself, is wonderfully created , with both the build-up to and the nail-biting nature of the close game truthfully recreated, down to the winning drop kick of Joel Stransky, played by Scott Eastwood, Clint’s son.
This is a film all about oxymorons. As one of Nelson Mandela’s bodyguards said, he could not envisage himself stopping affairs of State to visit a (mainly white) Springboks by a black President , merely to wish them well at rugby. Nelson Mandela had both wisdom and charisma in abundance, and was able to unite his people and his country through sport, in the unique way that only Nelson Mandela could. This is a magical movie, and I sincerely hope that Morgan Freeman wins an Oscar for his performance.
Rating
Clint Eastwood was probably the only filmmaker who could produce a film on Nelson Mandela that centered on a side event that became a major initiative in the history of South Africa and the world. He chose to center the film on the Springboks and their victory in the World Cup of 1995. That was a brilliant idea since it showed Mandela as a real transformer of human beings. It also brilliantly proves man does not make history. A certain thickness of imbecility was needed to pile up in the minds of some not to see that the enslaved majority of the South African population could not remain slaves for ever. Let my people go. The choice, if it is a choice and not the only logical sequel of the fifty preceding years that Mandela does was to center his own action on a sports event that could unify the people in a victory. And we can see how little it takes to attract the attention and the heart of the other, a cup of tea for instance served by the President to his guest François, like Jesus washing the feet of his disciples before the Last Supper, though forgiveness is not that easy, and yet easier for the victims of the bad treatment than for the people who inflicted that bad treatment. Those had to become aware of the hardship of that treatment to finally be conscious enough to forgive themselves and to forgive the victims. Clint Eastwood then adds some symbols to strike our eyes: the little black boy carried by the white cops on their shoulders after the victory. The green Springboks cap Mandela is wearing at the end, not as a provocation of the All Blacks, but as a symbol of his support to his team and as a symbol of the unity of the country around their team. This film is first of all emotional for us who have lived these dark years and harbored for a night or several some AWOL special force soldiers who were deserting apartheid. And how many pages of ANC press releases have we translated for the whole world to know about their fight. And yet we wonder at the end who is the main character of this story. Nelson Mandela or François Pienaar. This appears clearly in the remarks these two exchange when Mandela gives the cup to François. “Thank you François for what you have done for South Africa.” “No, Mister President thank you for what you have done for South Africa.” And the green Springboks cap Nelson Mandela wears all the time is not a provocation to the All Blacks, but the sign of his support to his team, and the symbol of the reunification of South Africa thanks to that sports event. Then the answer François makes to the journalist when this one asks him if he was encourage in his fight by the 63,000 people in the Stadium, is prophetic: “We were not supported by 63,000 people but by the 43 million South Africans.” That makes us very humble in front of history that no one can stop, than some can only slow down, ,and some others encourage and help in its own direction. And we will forget Henry Kissinger’s answer when he refused to support Nelson Mandela, the political prisoner that he accused of being a communist. One of these details in history that get lost in the pages of some encyclopedia and then is forgotten by humanity.
Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne, University Paris 8 Saint Denis, University Paris 12 Créteil, CEGID
Rating
Invictus is an enjoyable film, Morgan Freeman is great as Mandela and it’s an inspiring story. The movie revolves around the 1995 Rugby World Cup and Mandela’s attempt to unite South Africa behind its rugby team. Mandela develops a relationship with team captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon)playing the role of mentor and motivational coach.
Although it’s well-made and worth watching. As a rugby fan I was a little disappointed with the action on the field although most ordinary film-goers may not notice. I am not convinced the director (Clint Eastwood) really understands the game and the actors hired to play the Springboks didn’t really look the part. At 5’10″ Matt Damon is a little small to play the 6’3″ and 240 lb Pienaar. Pienaar was a popular charmer with a ready smile and a real ambassador for South African rugby. Damon still seemed to be playing Jason Bourne. It was an intense performance but it wasn’t how I remembered Pienaar.
South Africa had not been allowed to play in previous world cup tournaments and the years of isolation had left the Springboks uncompetitive. They were seeded ninth coming into the tournament but exceed expectations by reaching the final. The action focuses on the final match with New Zealand. New Zealand had an amazing wing (running back) in the 20 year old Jonah Lomu who at 6’5″ and 265 pounds seemed unstoppable. South Africa really were the underdogs. It was also the only time that the All Blacks have managed to reach the final since 1987. They usually get beat by the French (1999, 2007) or Australia (1991 and 2003)in the quarters or semis.
Overall it’s nice for rugby to finally receive some recognition from Hollywood, because it’s a major global sport. It’s a very good film and definatly worth a watch.
Rating
A film to watch more than once with the same pleasureable experience as before. Artistically put together with a fitting cast and directed brilliantly.
Rating
Hopefully non biased review as any film with Morgan Freeman & Matt Damon is fine by me. Great true story unfortunately ruined slightly by Hollywoods quest for Sickly-Sweet messages, we think we know what went on in SA during the apartheid era but this film didn’t delve deep enough into the changes in culture necessary for Mandela and eventually Pineaar to succeed. If you can get round the Hollywood sweetness it is a good film, though for reality I would suggest you read the book by John Carlin.
Rating
I would first of all apologise readers of my reviews. I wrote a review for this DVD but posted it in error for the RFU 1995 acoount of the World Cup Competition in South Africa also available in DVD (2 discs set).
I watched the movie again this week with my elder son and it again brought tears to my eyes. It is very inspiring story about how to use motivation to inspire a team to achieve and to unite a nation.
I watched the RFU’s Final match between South Africa and the All Blacks last night and even though I knew the ending I still found it gripping. I was at the edge of my sofa and could not switch the DVD player off even though it was passed mid-night until the final whistle.
Both DVDs are must owns if one has apsirations for South Africa and also a Rugby fan.
Rating
Saw the film when it came out – amazing, well filmed and acted – gave real atmosphere.
Had to have the DVD and Amazon delivered it the day it was released – Excellant service V
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A family film with a topical theme of racial tolerance, motivation and achievement. The fact that Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman are the stars makes the story credible. Every character in the film fulfils his/her potential or dream.
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What a fantastic film, especially if you like Rugby and what being part of a squad representing your country is of interest. The story line is also very emotive and it was refreshing to watch such a good film. Morgan Freeman as ever was just fantastic in his role as Nelson Mandella and Matt Damon was pretty hot too. All in all good value for money. Thank you Amazon for such a good price.
Rating
I really enjoyed this film. The story line is great. Its a film I can watch again and again.