Review of Invictus (2009) by Gareth N — 23 Jan 2011

Is it a sports film or a biopic? I don't think it knows. As with many sports films the action portrayal is difficult so doesn't come across as realistic. Made even more difficult a job when it's the premier world event for that sport and watched by a fan. People who don't know the sport perhaps wouldn't see the flaws.

Damon dies a fine job but he doesn't inspire the presence that Pienaar does or did. Even when on telly you thought he was an outstanding rugby man but not so Damon.

Freeman is ok as Mandela but sometimes lapses back to his American accent so losing the sense of a real South African leader.

Some of it just seems too twee. However it's about my sport so gets a 3/5 and is forgiven it's flaws.