With some trepidation, as I am not a fan of the films directed by Clint Eastwood, I went along to one of Melbourne's comfy theatres (there are many - but among my favourites is the Balwyn Cinema) to see 'Invictus' and was pleasantly surprised at how involving it is. Despite the trademark Eastwood tinkling piano music that quickly palled (this time by Kyle Eastwood) the strength of Morgan Freeman's performance carried the film way past the usual soapy tale. I remember clearly the Mandela protests in London, a small group standing outside St. Martin in the Fields church keeping a long vigil which eventually became one of the ingredients in his release from Robben Island. Our then teenager son was at school in London in those days and would sneak off to join in the protest. He was stunned to think that such a man of peace could have been treated the way he was. That's 'humanity', eh? There are thousands of potential Mandela storylines. The one in 'Invictus' deals with the fall and rise of the national South African Rugby team, the Springboks and while I can't bear rugby as a sport, it was an enthralling and involving journey for the audience. Matt Damon's understated performance balances Freeman's well and the rest of the cast formed a strong, supportive ensemble. There were a few clanger lines in usual Eastwood cornball style, but I think that the importance and relevance of the film will stand as a classic for many years.
It is long but really didn't feel like that.
This is highly recommended as a great way to escape the autumn heat - go on cheapskates' Tuesday in the morning if you can and you will have the extra bonus of being in an almost empty theatre that does NOT smell of popcorn. Yaaay for that!
If I had to give stars out of five for entertainment, 3.5 would be my pick, nudgng to a 4.
