Invictus

Invictus (2009)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Length: 134 minutes
Rated PG-13 for brief strong violence




Throughout his career, Clint Eastwood has been recognized for his performances in some of the greatest movies of all time. In the twilight of his career, Eastwood has become better known for his directing prowess, specifically in regard to some of the instant classics like Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, Gran Torino, and Letters from Iwo Jima. With the seemingly immortal Morgan Freeman and Hollywood hunk Matt Damon, Eastwood's latest project meshes the worlds of politics and rugby in a historic biopic set in post-apartheid South Africa. The results? Half a good movie mixed with several emotionless and dull rugby highlights.

As Nelson Mandela, one of the most respected and revered leaders of the modern era, Morgan Freeman (Red, The Last Full Measure) delivers a memorable performance well deserving of his Oscar nomination. During Mandela's initial presidency, he faced a country divided by racial tension and a failing economy. Seeking a means to unite his people, both black and white, Mandela calls upon the South African rugby captain Francois Pienaar, played by the relatively dull and listless Matt Damon (The Adjustment Bureau, Green Zone), to lead the country's team to victory in the 1995 rugby World Cup. On their way to victory, the team helped unite the country and bridge the divide between the people.

Invictus truly is the tale of two films. As a serious drama focusing on Freeman as Mandela, we are able to see the quiet force that ended apartheid in South Africa. The tension between the different races is thick and powerful; the words of Mandela are inspiring, warming, and encouraging. If Eastwood had chosen to focus more on Mandela and keep rugby as a background piece, the film may have been more of a success. Alas, it is the core of the film that proves to be the weakest. Essentially, any scene involving the rugby team is forgettable, emotionless, and totally detached from the rest of the movie. Though Damon is a great actor, his performance here is weak and completely undeserving of his Oscar nomination. If they ever release a "Cliff Notes" version of Invictus, essentially rugby game scenes free, this movie would improve tenfold.

If you are unfamiliar with Nelson Mandela, Freeman's turn as the quiet leader is a poignant performance that truly captures the aura of the legend. Beyond Freeman's performance, the film offers little else. After delivering such great films over the past decade, Eastwood has finally given his audience a forgettable and rather dull film. Watch solely for Freeman, but don't feel bad if you fall asleep during the last thirty minutes.

Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Oscar Nominations:
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Morgan Freeman
Best Supporting Actor - Matt Damon