In Review: Invictus

Many times great movies get lost in the holiday shuffle. A case in point is Clint Eastwood's "Invictus." It had the misfortune of being released near James Cameron's blockbuster "Avatar." It got mostly positive reviews but didn't do much at the box office. But don't let the ticket sales fool you. This is one of the great hidden gems of 2009.

"Invictus" is one part underdog sports movie and one part history lesson. It's the story of Nelson Mandela (played beautifully by Morgan Freeman) came to lead post-Apartheid South Africa and how the country's rugby team played a big part in the country's reconciliation. As the movie opens, Mandela is being released from prison after 27 years. After being elected president, he has to take on the task of bringing black and white South African's together. He decides to use the national rugby team, the Springboks, as the catalyst for reconciliation.

At the beginning of the film there is a vote held where the people want to get rid of the Springboks name and colors because to many it represents Apartheid. Mandela argues the team name and colors should be kept. He argues that the name and colors are part of history, for better or for worse, and the country needs to acknowledge that. Mandela wins that battle, but eventually has many more.

The Springboks still exist in name and with the same colors, but they are mediocre. Mandela decides to meet with the team captain, Francois Pienaar. The meeting set the stage for South Africa's eventual victory in the 1995 rugby world cup.

Is this movie formulaic? Yes, but don't let that keep you away. While it does follow a similar underdog sports team plot line it does it with a lot of style and great acting. While the movie was marketed mostly as a sports film, the story of Mandela overcoming all the obstacles after taking office are equally, if not more so, compelling. Consider the scene at the beginning where Mandela's black body guard is skeptical of the fact that Mandela has hired white body guards. Mandela argues that reconciliation and forgiveness starts in his office. There is also an incredibly moving scene where the rugby team visit's Mandela's prison cell.

The acting here is top notch. Freeman nails Mandela to a T. Matt Damon gives one of the most beautifully understated performances of his career as Pienaar. This movie is further proof that in the Matt Damon/Ben Affleck relationship Matt Damon wears the pants in the family. His performance is not showy but earnest and believable.

This film is an interesting choice for Eastwood to direct. Over the past several years between "Mystic River," "Gran Torino," and "Unforgiven," he has proven himself time and again not just as a superb actor but an extreme gifted director.

It is also worth noting that the soundtrack to this movie is worth a listen, especially the vocals done by the acapella group Overtone. If you want a films that will enthrall and inspire you by all means rent "Invictus."