Movie Review: Invictus

Greetings,

I normally don't do movie reviews, because I normally don't watch many movies, but this movie warranted a review because it has characteristics which need to be highlighted. This work of art takes a good look at a historical event and brings the subjects to life, which in my own opinion, is the most important part of studying history, as the events themselves are influenced by real people.

Graphics: The art is the first thing one should talk about in discussing this movie. The viewer sees a lot of things in this movie in South Africa, from Nelson Mandela's mansion to the poorer areas of South Africa. The camera views at times can be awkward especially during the Rugby scenes, but all in all, what you see in the movie overtakes the bad camera angles at times. (P.S. I don't know a lot about graphics and how to make things look good so more comments on good editing would be helpful.)

Characters: This is the strength of this movie. Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) comes alive on screen; you see his strengths and also points where one would realize that Mandela could be a hard person with whom to get along. One sees this in how his secretary and his daughter react to his sometimes hard and aggressive tendencies in speech and in leading South Africa. Matt Damon's character has a wonderful transformation from a frustrated leader to one who gains inspiration upon encountering Mandela. His reaction is typical of many people who encounter Mandela, he brings out a tough challenge to the person wants the best for his country, and each individual. In doing so, people have a warm respect for him, though few are personally close to Mandela. The people in this movie interact believably and very well with each other sharing tension, trust, joy, and many other feelings. These interactions make this movie a piece of art which is to be cherished.

Story: This movie is based on a true story of a South African rugby team who plays in the 1995 World Cup of Rugby, which was hosted by South Africa. The story tracks how Nelson Mandela worked with a rugby team to unite South Africa after its struggles with apartheid. Other readers will have more expertise than myself on the history of South Africa but from my limited understanding, apartheid was racism in South Africa between white and black South Africans. The whites were a vast minority in South Africa but used oppressive government power to oppress the blacks. (I apologize for not knowing a more politically correct term in advance.) This story tells of a struggle for forgiveness, reconciliation, and a true building of community based around a common purpose, being the country of South Africa.

Ethical lessons: Of course, one did not think they were getting a blog entry which was completely about a movie right... Hehehee, so ethical ideas which come from this movie. First, it is a good examination about racist leanings, even if not always expressed in the most explicit manners. This challenge is notable in the relationship between the white and black security guards for Mandela in the beginning of the movie. Even though both sides do not make an explicit "I don't like you, or trust you." there are plenty of snarky side comments and glances which suggest internal tension and distrust. Mandela also talks about the reality of these fears when he addresses the National Sports Council about how one needs to have respect for the white South Africans and let them have something, namely the rugby team, colors, and logo, which they love. This leads to the second challenge of the movie, which is building real community. Oftentimes, in society (both secular and religious), people like to sort themselves out with those who think uniform to their own thoughts and actions. (The Big Sort is a book which was mentioned by Dr. Richard Gaillardetz in a speech given at the St. Cloud Newman Center on this topic, further side note, Richard Gaillardetz is really accomplished in the field of ecclesiology, if anyone has an interest in reading on the meaning of Church, he is a good author to find.) South African community; however, as portrayed in this movie, does not work in this manner. This kind of community embraces difference around a common purpose, and appreciates the beauty in that difference. The different celebrations by each group in response to good things happening in the tournament or in the country are portrayed well in the movie. In the stadium, amongst the people and security guards, there is racial intermingling, which for South Africa just getting through apartheid would have been a big deal. Community in difference is an important lesson as it applies to everyone with whom we sort ourselves. Do we see the unique gifts in each person, and work to draw them out? Or, do we want to build people like ourselves? One type of community is healthy and lifegiving, the other seeks power and possession of other people.
Every good piece of art should challenge being in some way, and this piece does that by causing introspection looking at an external event. Though difficult, the reflection for our own lives can change our behavior, and in response being itself. Because when love is allowed to flourish and grow, people are affected by that love, and seek to follow that example themselves, or it touches them in some special way. The people that really love you, for being yourself, those are the ones you'll always remember. In this movie, we learn that we have to be that for others around us because everyone deserves to have that influential person who loves her. Mandela exhibits this beautifully both in his compliments to his co-workers and also his desire to remember the name of everyone on the rugby team.

All in all, this is a great piece of art which I highly recommend people go and see. And maybe I should write a movie review more often, this is actually a fun genre of writing.

Aristocrates