Review of Invictus (2009) by Rainer K — 01 Dec 2011

It's actually not a complex message Invictus is all about: Sport connects people and differences are built first and foremost in our heads and we can overcome them all. It's also not very subtle how Eastwood conveys his messages.

Nevertheless is the final result a powerful film. An extarordinary mix of a political biopic and a sports drama that's at least a splendid history lesson and never tedious at all.

Morgan Freeman gives a great portrayal of a great person and I found it incredible how similar he looks to the real Mandela he also did a good job with the accent. Speaking of accents - even greater credits to Matt Damon doing this Afrikaans-English, that may go on your nerves at times. Both of them give good performances and warrant their Academy Award nominations.

Eastwood has a knack for finding special, inspirational scenes in his films (even in the ones I don't like) and it's nothing different in Invictus - Damon visiting Mandela's cell at Robben Island or the whole security subplot are both emotionally powerful and artistically amazing.

This subplot is my favourite thing about Invictus - a kind story of how racism can be overcome brought to us with wit and esprit, very well-rounded and inspiring.