Review of Invictus (2009) by Louis L — 14 Aug 2011

This is a movie I wanted to like. It is of Nelson Mandela being an inspiring leader of his people, and Matt Damon in a supporting role. But Mandela's role is always of a chiding teacher (at least watching rugby is a guilty pleasure that makes him human). And I'm not sure about Matt Damon. He seems to be playing someone who is playing a role, but in real life.

But if the leads are wooden, at least the supporting cast is not. You see Mandela's advisors move from thinking the whole thing is a waste of time to thoroughly getting into the idea of cheering for their country, and all of it. The best are the guards, who have to change their attitudes towards each other, then of their charge, then of their own country and the game.