| CultureWatch DVD Review |
 An Education Certificate 12 Invictus THE MID-90s brought incredible change in South Africa. When Nelson Mandela became president in 1994, he was determined to work for reconciliation rather than taking revenge for the injustices of apartheid. Invictus tells the story of one part of his efforts to build the ‘rainbow nation’ during his first year in office. As Mandela (Morgan Freeman) comes to power, the national rugby team, the Springboks, are suffering a string of humiliating defeats, and the media blames the captain, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon). Since South Africa is soon to host the Rugby World Cup that’s bad news. A much bigger problem is that everyone sees rugby as a white man’s game: Afrikaners are mad about it, so black South Africans hate it – and the Springboks. Mandela, however, sees an opportunity to build bridges and prevents the Springboks being renamed and given new colours. He says that Afrikaners ‘love the Boks. If we take that away, we will be what they expect us to be. We must surprise them with generosity.’ Mandela meets Pienaar and quickly wins his respect, inspiring him to turn the team around. Then he asks the Springboks to teach rugby to children in the townships. It is a hugely successful move: the kids learn to enjoy rugby and the players are inspired by the response. Mandela becomes the Springboks’ number one fan, which endears him to white Afrikaners, and by the time of the World Cup, the black community are also fans of the team. Against all the odds, the Springboks reach the final and face the mighty New Zealand All Blacks. It’s a defining moment for South Africa as the whole nation unites in support of its team. It’s a great moment for Mandela himself as he sees reconciliation in action. He talks in the film about the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, saying, ‘It liberates the soul. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.’ Mandela demonstrates grace – kindness to people who don’t deserve it. Why? Because, according to his autobiography, he is a Christian. He knows that this is exactly how God has treated him. Mandela knows he’s deeply flawed, like everyone else, but he also knows that God has shown him grace and forgiven him. It’s that conviction which drives him. Because he’s found peace with God, his life is about working for peace, even through the South African rugby team. Invictus is directed by Clint Eastwood. It’s out on DVD on June 14. This article was first published on Damaris’ Culturewatch website (www.culturewatch.org) – used with permission. © Copyright Tony Watkins By Tony Watkins |
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