Invictus (B or 3/4 stars)
Inspiration is a term that has been readily used this year, ever since Barack Obama entered office as President of the United States; and it has caused a ripple effect in the movie industry. 'Invictus' (a Latin term meaning, "unconquered"), directed by Clint Eastwood, tells the inspirational true story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team to avert civil war & help unify their racially/economically divided country. The film opens in 1994 when Mandela - released from 30 yrs. in prison - becomes South Africa's president. Apartheid was "officially" over. But Mandela still had a lot of work to do to bring the nation together. You see, Mandela needed role models; hoping to inspire through the universal language of sport.
This is when he threw his full support behind the 'Springboks' (South Africa's #1 rugby team ... which isn't saying much). Mandela's advisors believed he should be focusing his responsibilities elsewhere, but he persists on the rugby angle, anyway. Led by the tough Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), the rugby team fed off of the stirring words & actions of Mr. Mandela; channeling their energies onto the practice field. By 1995, the team's mission was to improve & to contend for the World Cup (hosted, funny enough, by South Africa). As the team progressed farther & farther in the tournament, the players (including the team's only black player) learn that through tolerance, determination, & inspiration, they could bring an entire nation together. Needless to say, Nelson Mandela was pleased.
'Invictus' is a fine movie (said in slightly exasperating tone). The story is very interesting on paper, but a bit too conventional on screen. The acting is solid. The editing is pretty good (for most of the rugby sequences). The production values - alright. The musical score - a bit obvious. The original songs peppered throughout - a bit over the top, but fine. And while the movie isn't earnest or sanctimonious, neither is it heavy-handed. It's a very 'even' movie. Everything is measured. The film is commendable, but nothing to rave about. I liken it (in overall quality) to last year's 'Frost/Nixon'. I'm giving 'Invictus' a mild thumbs up, not because it's great, but because there's nothing remotely bad about it. It's the perfect pop into your DVD when you're sick & chill out with it movie.
Morgan Freeman is quite good as Mandela; a man who realizes that change comes slowly, & with opposition. We do not get a multi-dimensional look at the man. But Freeman is able, by using his knowing eyes & Mandela-like gait, to convey everything going on in his mind. It's a stately, gentle, & dignified performance from 'ole Morgan (would we expect anything different?). He is the pulse (however low it is) of the film. And I suppose its good enough for an Oscar nomination. Matt Damon is stellar ... there's just very little to his character. He beefed up for the role (as rugby captain). He learned an Afrikaan accent (going in & out). And you felt his passion while playing. That's all. Most other performances are 'fine', no standouts. Though, I'd have liked to know more about Mandela's head of security. There's a subplot involving him, his underlings, & some new Caucasian guards brought in to oversee Mandela that I liked, a lot.
Another small hiccup in Eastwood's film is the climactic World Cup game (lasting a good 20 minutes). Since we know that everything is building to this game; and we already know the outcome; and most people know little about rugby ... there's a subliminal feeling of "OK, just get this over with. Let's see them raise the trophy & cry". The action and reaction felt forced, when it should have been organic. But overall, the moral/cultural message of 'Invictus' is worthy of high praise. It's amazing that this is a true story to begin with; that Mandela used the power of athletics to racially unify his country. And it's kind of refreshing to see a biopic about a famous politician that doesn't harp on melodramatic political machinations. Nice movie, nothing special. We'll see it on TBS soon enough.
This is when he threw his full support behind the 'Springboks' (South Africa's #1 rugby team ... which isn't saying much). Mandela's advisors believed he should be focusing his responsibilities elsewhere, but he persists on the rugby angle, anyway. Led by the tough Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), the rugby team fed off of the stirring words & actions of Mr. Mandela; channeling their energies onto the practice field. By 1995, the team's mission was to improve & to contend for the World Cup (hosted, funny enough, by South Africa). As the team progressed farther & farther in the tournament, the players (including the team's only black player) learn that through tolerance, determination, & inspiration, they could bring an entire nation together. Needless to say, Nelson Mandela was pleased.
'Invictus' is a fine movie (said in slightly exasperating tone). The story is very interesting on paper, but a bit too conventional on screen. The acting is solid. The editing is pretty good (for most of the rugby sequences). The production values - alright. The musical score - a bit obvious. The original songs peppered throughout - a bit over the top, but fine. And while the movie isn't earnest or sanctimonious, neither is it heavy-handed. It's a very 'even' movie. Everything is measured. The film is commendable, but nothing to rave about. I liken it (in overall quality) to last year's 'Frost/Nixon'. I'm giving 'Invictus' a mild thumbs up, not because it's great, but because there's nothing remotely bad about it. It's the perfect pop into your DVD when you're sick & chill out with it movie.
Morgan Freeman is quite good as Mandela; a man who realizes that change comes slowly, & with opposition. We do not get a multi-dimensional look at the man. But Freeman is able, by using his knowing eyes & Mandela-like gait, to convey everything going on in his mind. It's a stately, gentle, & dignified performance from 'ole Morgan (would we expect anything different?). He is the pulse (however low it is) of the film. And I suppose its good enough for an Oscar nomination. Matt Damon is stellar ... there's just very little to his character. He beefed up for the role (as rugby captain). He learned an Afrikaan accent (going in & out). And you felt his passion while playing. That's all. Most other performances are 'fine', no standouts. Though, I'd have liked to know more about Mandela's head of security. There's a subplot involving him, his underlings, & some new Caucasian guards brought in to oversee Mandela that I liked, a lot.
Another small hiccup in Eastwood's film is the climactic World Cup game (lasting a good 20 minutes). Since we know that everything is building to this game; and we already know the outcome; and most people know little about rugby ... there's a subliminal feeling of "OK, just get this over with. Let's see them raise the trophy & cry". The action and reaction felt forced, when it should have been organic. But overall, the moral/cultural message of 'Invictus' is worthy of high praise. It's amazing that this is a true story to begin with; that Mandela used the power of athletics to racially unify his country. And it's kind of refreshing to see a biopic about a famous politician that doesn't harp on melodramatic political machinations. Nice movie, nothing special. We'll see it on TBS soon enough.