Poll Position: Invictus - Puneet's take

Okay, we have all read Jim's review. I am also giving you my take on the movie, "Invictus". I will not bore you with the details as Jim has already provided much about the movie's story and cast, I just want to share my views and opinion on this Clint Eastwood directed movie. Click more to continue.

Unlike Jim, I absolutely loved this movie. I was personally expecting a decent movie, nothing spectacular. Also it have Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, who I think were amazing in this movie, they acted amazingly, pulled the accents off quite nicely and made their characters come to life. I was amazed in how Freeman can acted out Nelson Mandela. And after I watched the movie, I looked at some clips of Mandela's speech and I must say Freeman acted out Mandela amazingly well. A calm, compassionate and confident leader Mandela was and it showed through Freeman. On the other hand I do not have much to compare Damon too, but as any good team leader is, he played out a man who could turn a team around in an instant with some an inspirational tea party with South Africa's newly appointed President.

The story delivery came to me with much surprise. I was expecting more of a sports movie than what was shown. But the parts of Mandela meeting with people, giving speeches and changing South Africa for the better was well implemented. I saw three main scenarios that were telling the same story; we had the security guards, rugby team and of course the country. With the progression of all three scenarios were all in synced to Mandela's goal of making the country into a truly unified country. Mandela keeps the old Springbok (national symbol during white minority rule) logo, colours and anthem, even with all the Afrikaner's unanimously wanting the change. Mandela explains by changing the national symbol, they are furthering the cycle of hate, the one he wants to stop. Mandela's old security guards ask for more men and in return they get white men, the same men who would throw many blacks in jail. And lastly, the rugby team is hated by all non-whites, any team they face the non-white cheer for the opposition and never the Springboks. The story progresses and you see how each case develops into a beautiful group of one, that is South Africa.

I rather not bore you with anymore details. I think this movie was amazing, to all extent. It was interesting, amazing acting and there really isn't much I can say that wasn't good about this movie. I especially loved the ending when the Kiwi Rugby team did their traditional Maui dance in the beginning of the game. Never gets old. Overall, if you want a good sports movie with some historical information this is a great movie to watch and to enjoy. I hope you guys like it as much as I did.

" I thank whatever gods may be. For my unconquerable soul. I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul. " - Nelson Mandela