A Story of perseverance, and forgiveness.

Rating: 8/10 (30 April 2018)

Invictus is a story about perseverance and forgiveness. It is a story of failure and triumph. This is an inspirational story about a rugby team that refuses to give in, and succeeds despite all odds at mending its broken country. Nelson Mandela, played by Morgan Freeman, is the epitome of leading by example. He is an empathetic, but strong willed leader who is determined to see his country whole again.He forgives those who locked him away in a cell and subjected him to hard labor for 30 years, because he wanted freedom for his people. He realizes now that his past enemies are now his people, and he must guide them. He keeps the name of the Springboks, and interests himself in the sport of his country. He talks to crowds of people, any of whom might be an assailant, but he puts himself in danger to show that he is not afraid, that these are his people. He supports the culture of the white minority, even though they were his enemies. He also leads Francois, captain of the South African Rugby team, by giving him a poem for which the film is named. Francois is a sincere leader who wants the best for his team, and he tries to accomplish the goals that he and Mandela share, a victory for South Africa. Matt Damon plays this part extremely well, nervous when first meeting Mandela, serious when leading his team off the field, and fierce in the huddle. The poem that helped both Mandela and Francois preaches perseverance and strength under pressure. For while an enemy may beat you, he may not crush your soul unless you let him. This is a theme shown throughout the film that makes this story so inspirational.