An inspiring portrait of Nelson Mandela, his vision, and what he has achieved for his South African nation. His political formula is not so much about using sports to unite his countrymen to avoid repeating the cycle of hatred and oppression that apartheid have brought his homeland. Above it all, it was how he uses his leadership to sow and inspire change through forgiving the enemies.
i like Morgan Freeman, i adore Nelson Mandela for his enourmous courage and love for human beings, and i dislike Clint Eastwood (as an actor AND as a director). these were the premises before i ve seen the film, and this film changed nothing of this. Morgan Freeman plays well, but he had not much to do here, cause his character was so unbelievable flat painted. Politicaly this film was also a
Freeman and Damon are solid without being mesmerising and Eastwood's direction is traditional without being excellent. The story is one of great passion and desire. The film is not. And despite the gallant efforts of those involved it amounts to almost nothing more than a TV midday movie.
Most of it is very dull and solemn, but the climactic rugby match is terrific.
Clint shows admirable restraint throughout the first two acts, but alas, in the final act he falls prey to his basest instincts: slow motion, histrionic music and excessive cross-cutting. Undoubtably flawed but for the most part a fascinating movie.
A disappointment from Mr. Eastwood
here is my review: http://mubi.com/reviews/23327
Invictus fills in the blank where there is a lack of inspiration from political leader nowadays. Like most of Eastwood craft which is beautifully linear, a great quality of iconic Mandela successfully transpire, and guaranteed will move and inspire you if you are a big fan of forgiveness, wisdom, and national unity.
***1/2. I never saw a rugby game shot that well. Clint Eastwood is a humanist and a large number of scenes of INVICTUS show the empathy of this director for his characters. Needless to say that this movie should be in your library if you're an Eastwood fan. Recommended.
It's heart is in the right place but the earnestness just drips off the screen.
it was my childhood dream to see Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. The movie did well, though I expect a lot more from the story.
This movie really drove me mad. There is no story, no action (tension is being built, and EVERY single time it turns out to be false alarm!), the choice of music is truly shameful, and what is up with the jail-scene? REALLY! Don't watch it, i just wasted 2 hours.
I agree that is Morgan Freeman's performance as Nelson Mandela does the show, but can't deny that the film gives me hope.
Another solid, well crafted film from Eastwood.
I kept laughing out loud because of how poorly-written this thing is. I felt bad because my boyfriend was really into it, but they just spoon-fed everything to the audience, and did a lot of telling instead of showing. I can't think of another time I was beaten over the head this hard.
Not a movie I would expcect Clint Eastwood to make, but i have to give props to Morgan Freemans magnificant portrayla of Mandela and Eastwoods cinamatography!
Morgan Freeman's performance as Nelson Mandela is the driving force that makes Eastwood's latest watchable. http://eddieonfilm.blogspot.com/2010/07/more-important-than-just-mere-game.html
It was interesting, but I couldn't bring myself to enjoy it for the simple reason that Morgan Freeman (as much as I love him) butchered that accent.
Very inspiring... the poem itself is wonderful... maybe a little cliché, but inspiring whatsoever... the plot is no t that well developed, but in the end, you leave the cinema with the impression that this time, ot doen's matter that much...
Wow. Brilliantly bad. Though i love him as an actor and a couple of his directing efforts, Clint manages to be my least favorite director of the last 20 years.
genial morgan freeman como mandela!! muy buenas secuencias de partidos de rugby! :)
A well-acted drama directed in Eastwood's typical unfussy style. I enjoyed it, but despite all the emotional grandeur, felt rather short-changed. It's at its best when exploring Mandela's personal & political life, with Freeman perfectly capturing his inner-strength & outer-frailty. However, some of the dialog is cliched & it overly simplified the subject matter. A perfect Sunday afternoon movie, but no masterpiece.
the power of forgiveness being liberating was a nice inspirational message and i was given more insight into nelson mandela's positive mentality
Clint Eastwood versing about colours (and not only colours of skin) and our relationship with them. The final against a team called "All Blacks" is full of rare simbolism. A beautiful picture.
Loved it: a great Mandala film meets a great sports film, and the two share the space with quiet profundity. To say that this is not Eastwood's best work is to praise his best -- Unforgiven, Mystic River, etc -- very highly indeed.
For a man that made such an impact,from a director that mostly delivers great films, from a cast that nearly always hits the mark, comes an underwhelming sports drama that makes a not so great film that is off the mark and has little impact. The only bright moment of the film was the poem from William Ernest Henley with the titled name.
Disliked this.
Morgsn Freeman seemed uncomfortable, the blsck/white security detail drama felt contrived, every underdog-sports-cliche was brought to bear, cloying soundtrack .... felt like a pile of politically correct poo adapted from the fscts. High point -- New Zealand All-Blacks performed the "hakaa" -- but you can see better ones on YouTube.
The Rugby Team That Healed The Apartheid: An Inspirational Movie About Inspiration, Inspired By True Events.
Contrived, generic, formulaic, boring...By far, Eastwood's weakest effort to date. What struck me was how Eastwood and the crew were ultimately trying to convey an inspiring story of the human condition and instead conveyed an insipid, in-the-office melodrama.
Impressed how this historic and epic journey was told w/ such economy.
