Invictus

Morgan Freeman's brilliant performance as Nelson Mandela is the kind of transformation that Academy Award members aggressively reward come Oscar season. Whether or not they'll be as impressed with Anthony Peckham's airy adaptation of John Carlin's book "Playing the Enemy" is questionable. The story is set in 1995, during the early days of Nelson Mandela's presidency, after he served 27 years in prison. Settling into his office, Mandela makes a point to meet with a black nationalist group that has voted to abolish the Springboks, South Africa's popular Afrikaner rugby team. With calm resolve Mandela explains to a crowd of apartheid victims that it is better to lead by example than to mimic their former oppressors. Viewing the Springboks as an ideal tool for promoting multiracial unity, Mandela invites the team's level-headed Afrikaner team captain Francois (Matt Damon) for tea. There Mandela plants seeds of encouragement about Francois leading his team to World Cup victory. Mandela mentions William Ernest Henely's poem "Invictus" to Francois as a fount of inspiration that kept him sane in prison. "Invictus" is a beautiful snapshot biopic that lacks dramatic significance in its subplots. Still, the film makes its points by way of Eastwood's usual assured direction and Morgan Freeman's considerable portrayal. 

Rated PG-13. 134 mins. (B+) (Four Stars)