Urban Thought Collective

Those of us old enough to remember songs like the all-star collaboration “Sun City,” and rapper KRS-One’s “Mandela’s Not Free,” can deeply appreciate the progress of South Africa depicted in the new film “Invictus.” Those unaware of the sting of Apartheid, which only ended a scant 15 years ago, can still dig the story of a man, sports and perseverance in the name of God and country.

Teaming up with director Clint Eastwood for a third and very charming time, Morgan Freeman is luminous on screen as President Nelson Mandela, the man who for so many represents freedom, faith and forward progress in South Africa and beyond. Freeman’s performance is measured and warm, a welcome look at the humor and wit of a figure so many associate with the fall of a despicable period in history. Mandela’s life remains a symbol of inspiration and hope that cannot be overstated. This doesn’t mean that Eastwood gives us more than a glimpse into the personal story of Mandela. Though his political savvy and sensitive, generous nature are consistently on display, details of his private family woes and other such matters are only briefly hinted at. That approach serves the story quite well.

“Invictus” is about the unifying power of sports, in this case, the rough and gritty sport of rugby. If you thought American football was tough, you have not seen a rugby match. It is truly brutal. Matt Damon again proves his ability to almost seamlessly transform himself into character (complete with a spot on Afrikaans accent) as Rugby captain Francois Pinenaar, the man whom President Mandela rested his hopes of bringing his divided nation together via the 1995 World Cup. Damon takes his licks on the field and takes us on his journey of enlightenment in a touching and well balanced performance.

Thankfully, Eastwood spares us the standard method of showing the audience that white South Africans routinely killed, beat and otherwise mistreated their black brethren in the legally separate and woefully unequal way of life that was Apartheid. We need not endure scenes filled with violence or bloody conflicts in order to understand the racially charged realities that Mandela inherited as its first President of color. Think Obama without the 27 years of false imprisonment and unspeakable routine abuse.

What we are treated to is the immediate transformative affect that Mandela’s policies and statesmanship had on those around him. As one of his white security officers notes, “With him, no one is invisible.” Expect no come to Jesus confessional moments by the oppressor. “Invictus” simply unfolds before us, telling the story simply and without pretense.

Invictus opens in theaters nationwide on December 11, 2009. Catch a matinee as it runs a tad bit long.

Ellene V. Miles is the managing editor of www.urbanthoughtcollective.com and has worked as an entertainment publicist for many years. Her collection of rants is featured exclusively on UTC for the good of the people.