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Kids went off to Mum’s. I dressed up. This was my big night. Coach was finally taking me out. And it was not to the Rugby! We were going to see...INVICTUS
...a movie about rugby
This is the greatest Rugby film ever made. That is, it is the only one to have been given the full royal treatment - by Clint Eastwood no less. INVICTUS is based on a true story where reality is more powerful than Hollywood fiction. The film does not disappoint. I left the cinema certain of 3 truths. Nelson Mandela is a demi-God, Clint Eastwood is a demi-God, and Rugby CAN save the world.
As a long time Eastwood devotee, I found INVICTUS to be surprisingly bloodless. This permits the focus to remain on the pertinent issues of Reconciliation and Rugby. The real action takes place on the field, as the 1995 World Cup unfolds, and due respect is paid to nations and players in the tournament itself. Francois Pienaar, champion and captain for South Africa, is played by a convincingly beefed-up Matt Damon. It is the classic tale of triumph over adversity as Mandela becomes President, South Africa wins the cup, and black and white unite in sporting triumph and glory.
Eastwood deliberately references the infamous oppression of the Apartheid era without bloody graphics. Violence is inherent in the film, but it is not visually exploited. Instead, he provides the audience with quiet space for personal reflection on what it would be like to spend 30 years in prison or to live your whole life in a shanty town.
In contrast, INVICTUS is infused with the gentle, forgiving and determined spirit of the inspirational Mandela, brilliantly portrayed by Morgan Freeman. There are small insights to his philosophy at every turn. But make no mistake, this is a Rugby movie and time is devoted to the game. It is an empowering event which leaves the audience feeling triumphant, enriched and hopeful.
Go the Force!
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Ovkye6lac"]YouTube- 'Invictus' Trailer HD[/ame]