MOVIE: INVICTUS

Years ago, Nelson Mandela, praised for his pivotal role in abolishing South Africa’s oppressive apartheid regime, publicly endorsed Morgan Freeman to play out his exploits on screen. Aptly, Clint Eastwood’s Invictus honours Mandela’s wish. It is 1994 and South Africa’s new president, Mandela, enlists the unlikely aid of the Springboks rugby team, abhorred for evoking the nation’s racist past, to reconcile his people. Morgan delivers a pitch-perfect, nuanced performance; deftly imbuing the genteel Mandela with altruism, dry wit and quiet resolve. Commendably, Matt Damon, playing second fiddle as the Springboks’ captain, provides an everyman quality. Eastwood may lack ‘sleight of hand’, but his ‘no bull’ direction, invigorating sport sequences, knack for good humour and heart, make this biopic a winner. (JH)