Invictus

2009 | Docudrama | 133 minutes | English, Afrikaans, Zulu with English subtitles

Info

Invictus (Latin for undefeated) takes place in the late 1990s in South Africa. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison, and at this time, the first elected black Prime Minister, is determined to unify a still-segregated nation. While watching a match between the country’s rugby team, the Springboks and England, Mandela notices  many of the black South Africans were rooting for England. They viewed the Springboks as a symbol of Apartheid. Mandela reaches out to Francois Pienaar, the Springbok’s captain, with the idea of promoting the Rugby World Championship to take place the following year in South Africa. Both Mandela and Pienaar agree that such an event could help unify the country. As training proceeds there is much publicity. Mandela begins to see  interracial relations  improving. The players begin to interact with the white and black fans and friendships form. South Africa makes it to the championship game against New Zealand. The entire country, and especially Mandela, holds its collective breath.   

Cast
Morgan Freeman (Nelson Mandela) / Matt Damon (Francois Pienaar)
Why Stream This Film?
In the Biblical chapter of Exodus, Joseph forgives his brothers, even though they sold him when he was a child to a passing caravan. And so it is with Mandela. After 27 years in prison, he forgave his oppressors, became Prime Minister of South Africa, and devoted his life to eradicating apartheid. Invictus is a film that should be shown in every classroom around the world.
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score (Critics Consensus): 76%
  • Metacritic Score: 74
Accolades
  • Academy Awards: Nominated, Best Performance by an  Actor in a Leading Role (Morgan Freeman); Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Matt Damon) 
  • Golden Globe Awards: Nominated, Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Morgan Freeman); Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Matt Damon); Best Director (Clint Eastwood)
  • Screen Actors Guild Award: Nominated, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Morgan Freeman); Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Matt Damon)
  • César Awards: Nominated, Best Film
Every scene brims with surprising details that accumulate into a rich fabric of history, cultural impressions and emotion.
Todd McCarthy

VARIETY

Clint Eastwood, a master director, orchestrates all of these notes and has us loving Mandela, proud of Pienaar and cheering for the plucky Springboks. A great entertainment.
Roger Ebert

RogerEbert.com

It’s an exciting sports movie, an inspiring tale of overcoming prejudice  and, above all, a fascinating study of political leadership.
A.O. Scott

The New York Times

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