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Invictus
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Synopsis:The true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar, 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 Championship match.
Genre: Drama | Adaptation | Biopic | Sports |
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I had to memorize INVICTUS in grade school, and I grew up with the words: "my unconquerable souls" and "I am the Master of my fate, I am the Captain of my soul". With words that elevate, how can I fight off seeing this film? It is typical Eastwood: simple story telling, big heart, performances that sing - in other words, you can't miss it. I like how he is able to imbue his scenes with profound simplicity, giving his actors a canvass to work with. That scene where Francois contemplates Mandela's 30 year incarceration resonates; it's Damon on top of his game. And Freeman seems destined to play the great leader. Sports movies, sometimes even when mediocre, are deeply moving essays on the limitless possibilities of the human spirit. This, plus the remarkable life and person of Mandela, brings the experience to greater heights. And the rhythms of South Africa pounsd on your soul, and the film uses this with righteous modesty. Mandela is so larger than life, you only need enough atmosphere to get the message across. SO I ask, why can we not make movies that tell such inspiring stories? Oh yeah, it's because Star Cinema et al follow a template.
(February 22, 2010 11:17:05 PM)