Political Football

Rating: 7/10 (13 December 2009)

Greetings again from the darkness. I have said many times over the past few years that Clint Eastwood is the classiest filmmaker working today. We can always count on his films to be technically well made, interesting and entertaining. Invictus is no exception. What it's not is a classic film, or even one of Clint's best. Nonetheless, it is worth seeing from a historical standpoint as well as for Morgan Freeman's fine performance.
The dialogue is sprinkled with many of Nelson Mandela's own words and the story is based on the book by John Carlin. Without a doubt, the best parts of the film are those showing Mr. Freeman portraying Mr. Mandela "behind the scenes" ... whether in his office or spouting his amazing philosophy to his security crew. Whatever your politics, Mr. Mandela was a fascinating man who survived an excruciating ordeal (for almost 30 years). For his mind, body and spirit to survive is reason enough to learn more about him as a man (warts and all).
The weakest part of the movie is the enormous amount of rugby time we are forced to watch. Most of the scenes/plays are staged and filmed in tight shots so as not to expose the weakness of the game or actors. Unfortunately, this makes up a huge portion of this overly long film. Obviously the rugby story line is historical and a story worth telling, but the film would have been more impactful with more Mandella musings and less fake Matt Damon rugby.
As always, Clint's film score is perfect. The only shocking moment was the terrible song playing as Mandela's helicopter lands on the practice field. It was an inexcusable MTV moment from a master. Otherwise, a film to see, though not necessarily one to adore.