Review of Invictus (2009) by Justin V — 09 Jan 2012

Invictus is a pretty darn good film that successfully blends sport with humanity. it's based on a s. africa's run to the 1995 world cup title for rugby. thanks to the full support of their new president, nelson mandela, their improbable run sparked the nation to unite for a team that, at the time, represented the apartheid that plagued the nation for years.

Morgan freeman is exceptional as "madiba" and even though the focus isn't on his life, the message that the films bears is more than enough to let that go.

Invictus is another film that proposes that sport and winning can cure all ills, and in this case the "springboks'" world cup victory was the catalyst that helped unite a divided country. similar in vein to remember the titans, the notion of playing against all odds amid the backdrop of a racially divided nation makes for a great story. there are some very emotional moments and the last 15-20 have almost no dialog, but the drama & passion contained within the film is undeniable...