A film that shows how becoming inspired can change a nation when you connect up with forgiveness despite racial and political tension.

Rating: 8/10 (12 December 2009)

As always Clint Eastwood does such wonderful work probably better as a director than an actor. And it's no different here as Eastwood directs "Invictus" a good film not just of historical meaning and terms, but it's interesting how it connects with people of a once fractured country to inspire the will to be happy all thru forgiveness. This film is not just about the release of one Nelson Mandela but more of how he transforms the country thru of all things it's white rugby team.
Starting in 1990 when Mandela(Morgan Freeman as always is his classy and spot on best from expressions to even the cadences) is released from South African prison to a country that's still split by racial tensions and transitional violence. As for years the blacks have always had problems with the whites as the popular rugby team the Springboks are detested by the blacks. Yet Mandela thru his love and learning about forgiveness surprises his people and supports the team as this is his way to springboard the country to be more loving and compassionate.
The rugby team lead by captain Francois Pienaar(Matt Damon who's chemistry with Freeman is good)meets with Mandela and he becomes inspired to work harder so they can win the World Cup and prove to all South Africans that peace and love is possible for all as all of them no matter what color are the same and the team represents everyone. True this film is an inspirational one that's connected to athletics yet deep underneath it's more about the changing times of a nation lead by forgiveness and inner working of politics. The film moves along well as Eastwood paces the action field shots well as the rugby scenes are entertaining as you cheer for victory even though you know the Springboks are gonna be winners.
Still I really don't call this a sports movie even though it's connected to it. The film has a much more deep meaning proving that a leader can inspire a nation and change their thoughts thru a winning team as he learned forgiveness and that a nation should be one. Really good to show when inspired attitudes change hard times even like racial tensions as it's always important that cultures and things change in society. Plus with this strong performance by the class act Freeman and it's themes of nation changing, forgiveness, inspiration "Invictus" is one film that makes a person happy after they see it.