I saw a UK preview of Clint Eastwood's new movie
Invictus last night, and I now have a new hero - Nelson Mandella. Of
course, this new found view point of the man totally relies on the the
suppostion that Mandella's actions during the eighteen-month period the
story is set in are factual, and not the creation of Hollywood scribes. However,
that aside, Eastwood has come up with another totally original film to add to
his resume that just seems to get better with every effort. Now I am not
particularly interested in politics, and know nothing about rugby, yet this 2-
hour movie had me on the edge of my seat come the final 18-20 minutes - as were
the rest of the audience. Who, but Eastwood, would approach a subject like this
- and deliver the goods? It proves once again he really is one
of the most intelligent directors in the world and at the top of
his game. Unlike Million Dollar Baby, Changeling and Gran
Torino, where the subject matter was dark, this is a "feel good" film that
broaches the appalling history of the country's race problems thoughtfully and,
at times, humourously. Although the cast are predominantly unknowns (and
excellent), the lead roles taken by Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon are faultless
-Â and Freeman is given some wonderful lines. Don't let the title or the
subject matter put you off seeing this thoroughly entertaining and moving film.
You'll come out of the cinema feeling much better for it.
Dave Worrall
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