With every iconic film, the audience always asks the question – is the actor or actress convincing in their portrayal of the role? Invictus, a 2009 film, leaves no opportunity for that question. Morgan Freeman imposes on us the Nelson Mandela that we have come to know through the media and history books.
The Invictus movie centers around Mandela’s run for Presidency in apartheid-dominated South Africa and his noble quest to mend fences among the races via a Rugby team. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film entraps us with powerful dialogue and stellar acting, but in essence, misses several emotional tappings to bring us in. But this is not the script, writer Anthony Peckham, seemed to want to portray.
The screenplay’s power is in the heartfelt portrayals of Mandela by Freeman and Francois Pienaar, the rugby team’s captain, played by Matt Damon. Accents and movements from both, while overacted, are indeed effective for those who understand that neither man hails from the country. A unification message rings loud and clear throughout, despite the many webs of Mandela’s life and harmonious efforts that are not woven into the script. Invictus’ movie highlight is a story of racial equality—not a biopic on Nelson Mandela. This is its shining moment.
Invictus (2009) review receives a PARL
Rating system
P …Horrible
PA …Tolerable
PAR …Good
PARL …Excellent
PARLÉ …Classic
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