MM Critic's Picks

Recommendations / mini reviews for films in the Drama Category:

Invictus (2009)

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Invictus (2009) - Don't let the title throw you. This utterly inspiring biographical drama based on John Carlin's book, tells the story of newly elected South African President Nelson Mandela, who uses the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite the peoples of a nation torn apart by apartheid. In an outstanding performance of Meryl Streep caliber, Morgan Freeman so effectively embodies Mandela that we sometimes think we are watching actual footage. Matt Damon is equally engaging as Francois Pienaar, captain of the South African Rugby team. It is no wonder that both actors were nominated for Oscars for their performances. Director Clint Eastwood seamlessly weaves the threads of political and social issues, humanistic themes, and high action sports drama, in a way that draws us in and holds us riveted until the last scene! (In fact, after going back to watch the beginning a second time, I ended up watching the entire film twice in succession!) The film continues to build in intensity from the first moment to the last. The rugby scenes are created with such authenticity, that we feel as if we are watching a live sports event! This film would be highly entertaining as fiction, but knowing that it is based on real people and actual events makes it that much more compelling! The film works on so many levels -- it is exciting, captivating, informational, historical, touching, heartwarming, and joyful! In a pivotal and very moving scene where Mandela and Pienaar meet over tea, Mandela ponders the challenge of how to inspire people to be greater than they think they can be. We all love watching a film about underdogs surpassing all expectations, but this film takes those concepts to new heights as it parallels the efforts of the struggling team with the struggling nation! The title Invictus (Latin for undefeated or unconquered) is a reference to the William Ernest Henley poem, which Nelson Mandela looked to for inspiration when he was a political prisoner on Robben Island. On a personal note, I was even more moved by this film because of a very recent visit to South Africa, including the prison on Robben Island. I cannot recommend this film highly enough!