Invictus

The movie Invictus taught a lesson of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity. It was mainly based on one of many Nelson Mandela achievements which was to unite South Africa with the game of Rugby. Invictus took place in 1995, when South Africa was divided into black ands whites. Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years and was elected as the first black President of South Africa. Mandela who was played by Morgan Freeman join forces with Pienaar; Matt Damon’s character, who was also the captain of South Africa’s rugby team; Springboks.The both of them worked together to try and win the World Cup championship and inspire South Africa, even when Pienaar was faced with much backlash from his team and family. Many of the whites in this movie and as well as those black supporters of Mandela, expected that Mandela as President would be an excellent outlet for revenge for those who were brutalized, humiliated and oppressed under the years of apartheid. However, Ne lson Mandela was different, he had overcome the prejudice and hate and did not succumb to such attitude, he didn’t allow it.He know that such actions wouldn’t benefit his country. Nelson was a leader, he was about reconstructing South Africa into a better nation. He went into office with a goal of reconciliation, which began with forgiveness. He first offered jobs to all those who were employed by the previous president, even those same ones who helped imprisoned him. The sport of Rugby, and the Springboks in general were considered symbols and a constant reminder of apartheid to the blacks of South Africa.They wanted to disband the team and start fresh, but Nelson Mandela felt that such actions would only hurt his country more that it already was. So with the help of him and his encouragement the Springboks remained South Africa’s national team, and with his order they helped coached various clinics throughout the country. Eventually Rugby, was South Africaâ₠¬â„¢s national. And when South Africa finally made it to the World cup, their entire country, both black and white, young and old, rich and poor cheered them on.Over all the movie was enjoyable. Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as Pienaar playing the role of a mentor and a motivational coach to his team and his family; the both of them coming together for one cause of uniting everyone, was an inspiring story. However, as far as the rugby scenes being shot, I felt that the action on the field was a little off. I really don’t know much about this sport to well and quite don’t understand the game itself but to me they just didn’t look the part.This movie had taught me and informed me more of Mandela and his actions in this light. It showed me how sports can also unify people. With forgiveness in your heart, as well as determination things are possible. We see the bond between Mandela and Pienaar, who were faced with obstacles but yet they succeeded at their goal. We see the relationship between Nelson Mandela’s security team. We see the Rugby team, majority white, reaching out to their community. And most of all we see the nation of South Africa rallying as one. Overall good movie with good elements.