I went to see this movie twice, both times with my dad. However, the first time I went, I didn't actually see it. Apparently there was a minor fire at the movie theater, Celebration Cinema, so the entire theater was shut down. So, we went back a second time after Christmas.
The film is set in the 1990s, in the first few months of Nelson Mandela's (Morgan Freeman) presidency in South Africa. He has just been released from prison, and doesn't like to talk about his family. His secret service consists of both black and white men. Mandela decides to use South Africa's rugby team to help South Africa rise to become one of the main global powers, which he meets with the team captain (Matt Damon) about.
This film is better than other critics say it is (the only review I've seen of it gives it a 6 out of 10). But there are some complaints to be lodged in there. The final game is overlong, boring, and confusing. And the critics were right when they said that the film doesn't explain rugby, a s
port little known to Americans, well enough.But the performances really help this movie. Freeman in particular is virtually unrecognizable as Nelson Mandela, with a very believable accent. Damon is equally good as the rugby team captain. The film also centers around class distinction, such as the secret service consisting of mixed races, the rugby team visiting a very improverished neighborhood, and police officers excitedly lifting a homeless boy after the team's win.
"Invictus," isn't the most entertaining film ever. But believe me, it's worthwhile...a great film to use for my first review!
