Invictus

[Greylock Crescent]

From the official site:

From director Clint Eastwood, “Invictus” tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to help unite their country.
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Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.
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Has anyone else seen this yet? I saw it last night and, while not a perfect film, thought it was exceptional and inspirational.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

I'd like to see this film, if only to see how Matt Damon handles portraying Francois Pienaar.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

^ It's actually a fairly understated performance. His character does a good job of embodying the notion of "leading by example," so Damon doesn't have to really get all schmaltzy or anything -- just allow his character do the right things whenever possible. I liked Damon in the film.

And I'm anything but a Matt Damon fan, btw.

 

[JacksonArcher]

I'm looking forward to the film. It isn't playing here in Galesburg, where I am temporarily, so I had to see Everybody's Fine last night which was very schmaltzy, but I hope to see this soon. Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon? I'm there.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

Having not read the original novel, and given its setting in the 1995 World Cup, I wonder if Jonah Lomu is featured in the film? (Mind you, his is another story altogether. )

 

[CaptainCanada]

Definitely going to see it.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

Having not read the original novel, and given its setting in the 1995 World Cup, I wonder if Jonah Lomu is featured in the film? (Mind you, his is another story altogether. )

He is in the film, which goes to great lengths to establish an aura of seeming invincibility around his talents -- even if he, himself, is seen only briefly before the final match (much of the film is on events around rugby, and not on the matches themselves, though, of course that final match gets plenty of attention).

 

[Aragorn]

Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon? I'm there.

Makes you wonder what this film really could've been like if it had been Brett Ratner, Fred Williamson and Ashton Kutcher instead.

 

[Tim]

Just saw it today. Another fine effort from Eastwood with excellent performances by Freeman and Damon. These folks just can't make a bad film.

 

[Jono]

I'd only be sold on watching this movie if there is a waitress named "Suzie" in it.

 

[Greylock Crescent]

Given the number of servants seen in the film, I'd say there's a fair chance you'd get your wish.

 

[Kpnuts]

Excellent film, really enjoyed it.

Although I found it funny there was no mention of the food poisoning!

 

[Snaploud]

Although I found it funny there was no mention of the food poisoning!

Yeah, I can understand that decision... Good movie, though...