Invictus - 2009

Movie #156

3.5 stars

In this drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin's book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon (both Oscar nominated) as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Adojoa Andoh, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Julian Lewis Jones, Marguerite Wheatley, Leleti Khumalo, Patrick Lyster, Penny Downie

Director: Clint Eastwood

Writers: Anthony Peckham (screenplay) [Sherlock Holmes]
            John Carlin (book)

Tagline: His people needed a leader. He gave them a champion.

Filming Locations: Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa


hmmmm....I just wasn't that impressed.  I was never bored (or should I say really bored)...but even with low expectations, I was unimpressed.  The biggest disappointment was Matt Damon.  His accent was terrible, almost to the point where it was distracting.  It would come and go....I just don't think he prepared enough that's all (accent wise). He definitely beefed up a bit...

I don't really know who would have played a better Francois Pienaar...Jonathan Rhys Meyers?  Maybe.

Morgan Freeman did a pretty good job I thought.  He definitely looks a lot like Mandela.  As far as his accent goes, he did an OK job, better than Damon that's for sure.

According to iMDB (the greatest site ever!): The actors playing the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, had to learn the traditional Maori war chant, the Haka, which is performed at every game to intimidate rival teams. Out of a sense of verisimilitude and respect, the crew contacted the New Zealand Rugby Association to make sure the Haka would be done correctly. They sent over a Haka expert named Inia Maxwell, who assisted in Haka/rugby training and was present when the Haka was filmed so that it was portrayed accurately.

This scene...or should I say little clip...was a huge disappointment too!  It was too short!  Here is a real one..



I almost think that the film Forever Strong did a better Haka. (that's a pretty interesting movie by the way)



Back to Invictus.....

Favorite Scene:  When the rugby team went and held clinics with the kids.  It was just fun to watch.

Another Dislike:  The film didn't really explore the relationship between Mandela and his family.  The film hinted at it but only for a couple of minutes.  The filmmakers either should have cut out all of the scenes with the daughter or added 5 more minutes.

Overall Recommendation:  If you like Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood then check it out.  But if you like Matt Damon then stay away---you may just lose all respect for him.  And if you aren't interested in history or sports then stay away too.

Budget: $60 million
Worldwide Gross: $122,231,655  (70% non-US)  

Good but cheesy line: I was thinking how a man could spend thirty years in prison, and come out and forgive the men who did it to him...

Last Line:
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.