Invictus

[mahnmut]

I know this is not what one might call the best masterpiece to look for, nor is it a massive super-production with stunning visual effects, nor is it full of bloody action, explosions and car chases; but it is a well-thought, well executed, and very sincere movie which casts some light on the events immediately following the end of apartheid. Furthermore, it shows why rugby is more than just a sport in this country. It is a social phenomenon, a brick of the South African society, and as the story shows, it played a key part in the reconciliation process which fortunately took place instead of a bloodbath of vengeance. Madiba, with all his flaws, should be given due credit for this, and I'm sure history will hold him as one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century. We are enormously grateful for his contribution to laying the groundwork of a new society that strives for harmony. And this is enormously important, because it is what keeps us going, despite the monstrous difficulties that we are still facing.

Every South African should watch this movie, as well as every person who really wants to understand some of the aspects of the South African society.

It also brings great memories to me, as this was a period which I cherish as the turning point in my life.

The story of 'Invictus' takes place after the fall of the apartheid regime, during the time that South Africa organized the world championship rugby in 1995. Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) just started his first term as a president and uses the event to stop the mistrust and hatred between black and white which took place for decennia. In this Mandela gets help of Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), the captain of the South-African rugby team.

(Based on the real events around the Rugby World Cup '95).

Comments

[nairiporter.livejournal.com]

This was the moment when I felt proud to be South African for the first time.



Nothing was the same afterwards.

[abomvubuso.livejournal.com]

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Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

[underlankers.livejournal.com]

South Africans provided a very heartwarming example of reconciliation, and also of good sense when the Apartheid regime finally realized all was lost and chose to not go out guns-a-blazing. Thanks for sharing. ^.^

[airiefairie.livejournal.com]

"Listen to the voice of South Africa! This is your destiny!"

At this point I couldn't hold my tears.

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

I cried through the whole movie.

[inibo.livejournal.com]

Thanks for bringing this movie to my attention.

It is playing locally. I'm making plans to see it. It think Clint Eastwood is one of the best directors alive and I really like Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

At first blush I wondered why couldn't they use real South Africans to play the parts, but I also realize American audiences, at least, are very fickle and provincial. It takes star power to get them to watch movies like this. I also saw an interesting bit of trivia in the Wikipedia article about this movie: "Nelson Mandela himself has said that only Morgan Freeman could portray him. And so Freeman was the first actor cast."

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

I'm sure she did.

[madali.livejournal.com]

The poster puts me off the movie so much. Its like every feel-good sports film ever made

[mahnmut.livejournal.com]

Oh it is. Just another sports film.

[sealwhiskers.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the rec, I was thinking of seeing it in the next few days, (mostly for my love of Freeman and history, sports and Matt Damon always makes me hesitate)now I'll definitely go.