At the age of 79, Eastwood proves he is still a master filmmaker.

Rating: 7/10 (10 March 2010)

Clint Eastwood is not only my favorite hero, but one of my very favourite movie directors. There is a certain way that he uses to direct his films. It is slow-paced, subtle, but concentrated and focused. He doesn't rely on visual effects and smash-cut editing to get the ball rolling for his movies. He doesn't rely on Parkinson's afflicted cameramen during slow moments. No, he does it the good ol' fashioned way. Conservative he may be, but it's that method that distinguishes his craft from others. It's a very recognizable and refreshing trait after seeing giant robots smash each other from screen to screen.
Having said that, Eastwood's latest film "Invictus" is a masterpiece. Yes, I mean that. Why? Not because it is a simple story that is not always original, but it is a simple story that is executed beautifully. Eastwood's directorial traits are seen here, and it brilliantly shows. Like Don Siegel and Sergio Leone before him, Eastwood manages to bring out the best, sharpest and most humanistic performances out of the actors in the movie. So what if they all spoke in English? The same thing happened in Schindler's List, did anyone complain?
Moving on to the performances. I swear I was watching the real Nelson Mandela on the screen instead of Morgan Freeman. It is proved that he did not get chosen for this movie based on his uncanny resemblance to Mandela. Here Freeman IS Mandela, he nails the performance, he owns the movie, he is the driving force of the movie. Freeman shows depth as Mandela, as well as wit, dry charm and a huge humble side to him. It's a performance which is nothing short of phenomenal and is really Freeman's role of his career.
Matt Damon is also noteworthy as Pinear, the rugby captain. His South African accent is very convincing, his performance is full of vigor and confidence, and it further solidifies the fact that he is a great actor as well as a great action hero, a fact proved in the "Jason Bourne" series. Damon says that working with Eastwood makes him want to emulate Eastwood's career I would love to see that.
With fine performances (even the supporting actors), the simple story is fleshed out in a solid fashion. It may not be original, but it is VERY inspiring to see the Rugby team giving their all to win. For their country. For peace. Eastwood wrings out the richness in such a simple story but since it is true the screen flows strikingly with the brilliant theme of hope and courage.
Not forgetting the jazz-inspired (another Eastwood trait) music and the strikingly beautiful cinematography by Tom Stern, Eastwood, like PIXAR Animation Studios, shows class and versatility as one of Hollywood's most gifted filmmakers and storytellers, and he shows no signs of slowing down or weakening out. This is a must see, for everyone; men, women and even children to see. I give it my highest recommendations.
Overall rating: 10/10.