One true story of Nelson Madela giving inspiration to his Country!

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2009)

Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) becomes President of South Africa and vows to the people that the Country will never be the skunk of the world again. Becoming attracted to the sport of Rugby he contacts the captain of the South Africa spring league Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) to bring greatness and inspiration to his country.
For some people in order to give them inspiration to become great they need something to inspire them and that's what happened as shown in this film based on a true story. I have always thought the little things count in life weather it be helping out with a food shelf or giving people money, but to help the people of a Country is a big weight to put on your shoulders. To see joy and happiness in people's faces is a blessing from above and a blessing that if you have the power to give can in the end become a beautiful thing. Many people liked to be known for something or make a stand and a change. That is what I think Mandela did and the message Eastwood wanted to show in this powerful reincarnation of the true story.
Freeman in this movie is so convincing to be the real Nelson Mandela. Even though there were some parts in the movie that were funny to me which I think were put in there to make the people laugh and enjoy the movie more and not make it all too serious. The only African-American actor/actress to appear in three Best Picture Oscar Winners: "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989), "Unforgiven" (1992) and "Million Dollar Baby" (2004). I have always seen Freeman as a man who stars in those thriller roles which make you cringe and as a down to earth guy that almost anyone can relate to.
Damon plays his role well and without knowing the real person has a convincing yet honorable role as the captain of the South Africa Rugby Team of 1995. Something you may not know about Daman is that he dropped out of Harvard 12 credits short of graduating to pursue his acting career. Which I think is kind of a funny fact, because he became an actor anyways from not graduating there. I have always known Daman for his roles in Drama as well as Action films such as "Good Will Hunting" (1997), "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (1999), "The Bourne Trillogy" movies (2002/2004/2007). Always playing the, I am tough guy willing to knock out a guy to get answers which would have served him well if he was given a role in the bond movies. I just think that wouldn't have fit his persona maybe though.
Clint Eastwood, a living legend, best known for his roles in "Million Dollar Baby" (2004) and "Gran Torino" (2008) directs this film which actually is based off a true story off Nelson Mandela and the South Africa Rugby team. Even though Eastwood is done with his acting career, he will continue his directing of movies such as this one. Already having received an award from the National Board of Review for Best actor Morgan Freeman and Best Director Clint Eastwood it is nominated for 3 Golden Globes and another 3 wins and 8 nominations.