Film File - Invictus

Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people, in a way that little else does" - Nelson Mandela. The 1995 World Cup Final was, to most people around the world, little more than a thrilling rugby match. But to the people of South Africa, it was a turning point in their history - a shared experience that helped to heal the wounds of the past even as it gave new hope for the future. The architect of this benchmark event was the nation's president, Nelson Mandela. Its builders were the members of South Africa's rugby team, the Springboks, led by their captain. 'Invictus' tells the inspiring true story of how Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Final. Mandela's dream of a 'rainbow nation', starting with the Springbok colours of green and gold, is not without risk. In the face of daunting social and economic crises, even his closest advisors question why he is focusing on something as seemingly insignificant as rugby. Many also wonder how he can support the Springboks, especially at a time when black South Africans want to permanently eradicate the name and emblem they have long despised as a symbol of apartheid. But Mandela has the foresight to recognise that eliminating the white South Africans' beloved rugby team will only widen the rift between the races to a point where it might never be bridged. Putting the story in perspective, John Carlin, the author of the book 'Playing the Enemy', on which the film is based, explains: "What you have to understand is that the green shirt of the Springboks was a powerful reminder to black South Africans of apartheid. Mandela's genius was to recognise that this symbol of division and hatred could be transformed into a powerful instrument of national unity." Combining the talents of Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood in any film should be box office gold - but especially when the story concerns one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. While Freeman does get a bit jumbled in the accent at times, he has the uncanny likeness of Mandela and enough acted mannerisms to make the portrayal effective. Even the famous smile which Mandela used to such effect works well on the actor. Mandela calls upon Pienaar to lead his team to greatness, citing a poem that was a source of inspiration and strength to him during his years in prison - Invictus, by William Ernest Henley, is translated as 'Unconquered'. The first hour is riveting stuff in which Mandela has to rein in his own supporters who want to exact vengeance on the white population after years of apartheid - a measured portrayal showing how the new president uses all his guile and subtlety not to fracture his country but unite it. He focuses on the rugby team, with its massive white fanbase as a vehicle for bringing together all South Africans in a common cause. "This country is hungry for greatness," he says. Damon has a straightforward role as the captain, a trusting acolyte who understands how important a moment this competition can be for his country. Eastwood, as in all his movies, directs with a sure touch, peppering the story with finely-judged scenes. One of these sees a young black boy lingering near a police car, as two white police officers are listening to the game. Throughout the match, Eastwood returns time and again to the three of them, each time showing them edging closer into a unit, until the victorious end when all three are celebrating together. 'Invictus' is a good experience, not just for its entertainment value, but also for what it does to the soul.