Inspiring. A country wishing for greatness.

Rating: 8/10 (13 October 2010)

Clint Eastwood directs this drama based on real-life circumstances. Apartheid has ended and Nelson Mandela(Morgan Freeman)tries to unite the peoples of South Africa. Hoping that taking pride in something will bring the masses together; he chooses of all things rugby; but it isn't easy for a nation to take pride in a team noted for losing. President Mandela meets with Francois Piennar(Matt Damon), the captain of the Springboks rugby team and together they try to convince the team they are good enough to play in the 1995 Rugby World Cup which South Africa is hosting. A strong political statement is achieved with South African citizens of all races joining together to support the revitalized Springboks. Morgan is stoic in his portrayal of Mandela and seems effortless in mastery of the role. Damon is obviously bulked-up and appears to enjoy his athletic efforts. This movie is adapted from John Carlin's book The Human Factor.