Invictus (2009)

Invictus (2009), a biographical sports film directed by Clint Eastwood, features Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon as its lead actors. This is the third time Eastwood and Freeman have collaborated on a film, following their work on Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004). Adapted from John Carlin’s book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation, the movie tells the story of South Africa before and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison after spending 27 years behind bars. Four years later, he becomes the first black President of South Africa amidst numerous challenges such as poverty and crime. One issue that particularly concerns Mandela is the racial divide between black and white South Africans, which could potentially lead to violence. Even within his security detail, where established white officers who had guarded previous leaders work alongside new black members from the ANC party, there is tension driven by mutual mistrust.

While at a rugby match between the Springboks and England, Mandela notices that some black spectators are rooting for England instead of their own country. He can relate to this feeling as he also supported England while he was imprisoned on Robben Island, due to the prejudices and apartheid associated with the mostly-white Springboks. With the 1995 Rugby World Cup being hosted by South Africa in a year’s time, Mandela convinces the newly black-dominated Sports Committee to support the Springboks. He then meets with Francois Pienaar, the captain of the team, and suggests that a victory for the Springboks could bring unity and inspiration to the nation. During their conversation, Mandela also shares a British poem called ‘Invictus’ that had been a source of motivation during his time in prison.