One man to make a difference in a country torn by apartheid

Rating: 10/10 (17 March 2015)

Morgan Freeman is an exceptional actor to portray a prominent political figure as Nelson (Madiba) Mandela. Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar is also superb. I do not know much about the sport, nor politics but I can easily recognize and value great leadership by example, humility through character of forgiveness and reconciliation, and acknowledging that South Africa is composed of mix races both blacks and whites. This movie is very justified with all the events in 1995 as close to 100% historically accurate as possible. President Nelson (Madiba) Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unified a torn country with a common interest as a step to move forward from apartheid, crime, poverty to become a "Rainbow Nation." I enjoyed how he was inspired by William Ernest Henley's "Invictus" poem while he was in prison during his 30 year time and help inspire Francois Pienaar, captain of the Springbok, to lead his rugby team. Both Freeman and Damon perfected their accent as true South Afrikaans. As an American also living in a mixed race country, I value Pienaar and Mandela's work and great efforts to emerge a country with a broken past to rise and rise. The movie ends with Nelson (Madiba) Mandela's voice over reciting versus from the William Ernest Henley's poem. Overall GREAT movie!!
"Invictus" By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.