What happened in Invictus?
Invictus opens with the release of Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) from prison in 1990. After being held for nearly 26 years on Robben Island for planning acts of sabotage against the South African state, Mandela's release also marks what soon becomes the end of apartheid in South Africa. A new election is held, which Mandela handily wins.
Is Invictus a true story?
Invictus is a 2009 American-South African biographical sports drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. The story is based on the John Carlin book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation about the events in South Africa before and during...
Who are the actors in Invictus?
Invictus (film) Jump to navigation Jump to search. Invictus is a 2009 American-South African biographical sports drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.
Who is the Springboks captain in Invictus?
Freeman and Damon play, respectively, South African President Nelson Mandela and François Pienaar, the captain of the South Africa rugby union team, the Springboks. Invictus was released in the United States on December 11, 2009.
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Is the movie Invictus historically accurate?
As a South African who saw this film on Friday morning, I can tell you you the entertaining, inspiring and enjoyable "Invictus" exceeded all my expectations. It really is a true story of epic proportions yet it's told with an intimate feel, and it is at least 98% accurate to the events of the time.
Why is Robben Island important Invictus?
Francois Pienaar The trip to Robben Island was an important event for the Springbok team in 1995. It not only highlighted Mandela's extraordinary strength and capacity to forgive but also provided Francois with a new version of the history of his country.
What did Nelson Mandela do in Invictus?
He understood the game better and built a lasting friendship with the then captain of the Springboks, Francois Pienaar. He broke the wall between the team and the Blacks. He openly supported the team and sent a clear message that the Springboks should have the support of not just whites but all South Africans.
What is the movie Invictus all about?
After his 27-year imprisonment and subsequent election as President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela faces the task of unifying a country divided by race. Only months since the end of Apartheid, divisions still exist between the country's whites and blacks, something Mandela notices during an international rugby match. Realising black supporters cheer on the opposing side when their white Springboks take to the field.Invictus / Film synopsis
What are the three major peoples that inhabit South Africa?
This Act divided the South African population into three main racial groups: Whites, Natives (Blacks), Indians and Coloured people (people of mixed race).
What time does Invictus take place?
Invictus opens with the release of Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) from prison in 1990. After being held for nearly 26 years on Robben Island for planning acts of sabotage against the South African state, Mandela's release also marks what soon becomes the end of apartheid in South Africa.
What does Invictus mean in English?
unconquerable or undefeatedInvictus, meaning unconquerable or undefeated in Latin, was written in 1875 by William Ernest Henley. Invictus by English poet William Ernest Henley.
Why is Invictus called Invictus?
The title refers to the Roman divine epithet Invictus and may be translated from the Latin as "undefeated" or "unconquered". "Invictus" is also the title of a poem, referred to in the film, by British poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903).
What is the significance of the title Invictus?
Invictus, meaning “unconquerable” or “undefeated” in Latin, is a poem by William Ernest Henley. This poem is about courage in the face of death, and holding on to one's own dignity despite the indignities life places before us.
Why is Robben Island important?
Robben Island is most famous as the place where Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in jail. The island has since become a symbol of the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression.
When was apartheid ended?
1994Apartheid, the Afrikaans name given by the white-ruled South Africa's Nationalist Party in 1948 to the country's harsh, institutionalized system of racial segregation, came to an end in the early 1990s in a series of steps that led to the formation of a democratic government in 1994.
What age is Invictus appropriate for?
PG-13Invictus / MPAA rating
Why is Robben Island important?
Robben Island is most famous as the place where Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in jail. The island has since become a symbol of the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression.
Was Invictus filmed at Robben Island?
Invictus (2009) This is the place where Invictus starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and Tony Kgoroge was filmed at Robben Island in Cape Town, South Africa.
How does Invictus show forgiveness?
'Invictus' highlights the determination of wanting to unite a nation whereas, 'Ransom” shows how the act of forgiving unites two long-time enemies. Through this, the act of forgiveness brings people closer together, showing the impact forgiveness by leaders has.
Did Invictus win any Oscars?
NAACP Image Award for...National Board of Review A...National Board of Review A...Paul Selvin AwardInvictus/Awards
What is the movie Invictus based on?
The story is based on the 2008 John Carlin book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation about the events in South Africa before and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
When was Invictus released?
Invictus was released in the United States on December 11, 2009. The title refers to the Roman divine epithet Invictus and may be translated from the Latin as "undefeated" or "unconquered". "Invictus" is also the title of a poem, referred to in the film, by British poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903). The film was met with positive critical ...
What book is the story of Nelson Mandela based on?
The story is based on the 2008 John Carlin book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation about the events in South Africa before and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
How much did Invictus make?
Invictus opened in 2,125 theaters in North America at #3 with US$8,611,147 and was the largest opening for a rugby-themed film. The film held well and ultimately earned $37,491,364 domestically and $84,742,607 internationally for a total of $122,233,971, above its $60 million budget.
How long was Nelson Mandela in prison?
On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison after having spent 27 years in jail. Four years later, Mandela is elected the first black President of South Africa. His presidency faces enormous challenges in the post-Apartheid era, including rampant poverty and crime, and Mandela is particularly concerned about racial divisions between black and white South Africans, which could lead to violence. The ill will which both groups hold towards each other is seen even in his own security detail where relations between the established white officers, who had guarded Mandela's predecessors, and the black ANC additions to the security detail, are frosty and marked by mutual distrust.
Where was the movie "Playing the Enemy" filmed?
The filmmakers met with Carlin for a week in his Barcelona home, discussing how to transform the book into a screenplay. Filming began in March 2009 in Cape Town.
Is playing the enemy based on a book?
Critic David Ansen wrote: Anthony Peckham's sturdy, functional screenplay, based on John Carlin's book Playing the Enemy, can be a bit on the nose (and the message songs Eastwood adds are overkill). Yet the lapses fade in the face of such a soul-stirring story—one that would be hard to believe if it were fiction.
What does Francois throw against the wall?
In the locker room at a Springboks game, Francois gathers his team members and gives them all beer . He raises a toast to defeat and asks his teammates to remember this and never lose again. They all drink and throw their beer against the wall, claiming it tastes bad.
What does Mandela tell Hendrick about his family?
He asks Hendrick how his family is doing, and when Hendrick asks about his, Mandela tells him that he considers the country his family . Abruptly, he turns to go back to the house, as Linga tells Hendrick that they are never to ask Mandela about his family, that he is clearly estranged from them.
What does Hendrick tell the others about the Springboks?
In the security office, Hendrick tells the others that the Springboks don't stand a chance in the World Cup. Francois meets with Mandela, who asks him about his hurt ankle. A servant brings tea in, which Mandela insists on pouring himself, extolling the gifts of the English, which include rugby and afternoon tea.
What does Mandela say about the Sprinboks?
Mandela goes to speak to the group himself, even though Brenda advises him against it, suggesting that "it gives the impression of autocratic leadership." Mandela insists that he has to show his people that they are wrong in not supporting the Sprinboks. She pleads with him not to risk his political career on something so unimportant as rugby, but Mandela is confident in his conviction.
Storyline
This movie tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the Captain of South Africa's rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon) to help unite their country. Newly-elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of Apartheid.
Did you know
Nelson Mandela said that only Morgan Freeman could portray him. Freeman was the first actor cast.
Overview
Release
Invictus opened in 2,125 theaters in North America at #3 with US$8,611,147 and was the largest opening for a rugby-themed film. The film held well and ultimately earned $37,491,364 domestically and $84,742,607 internationally for a total of $122,233,971, above its $60 million budget.
The film was released on May 18, 2010 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc. Special features include
Plot
On 11 February 1990, Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison after having spent 27 years in jail. Four years later, Mandela is elected the first black President of South Africa. His presidency faces enormous challenges in the post-Apartheid era, including rampant poverty and crime, and Mandela is particularly concerned about racial divisions between black and white South Africans, which could lead to violence. The ill will which both groups hold towards each other is …
Cast
• Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela, the head of the African National Congress, who has become the first black President of South Africa
• Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, the Springboks' captain and openside flanker
• Tony Kgoroge as Jason Tshabalala
Production
The film is based on the book Playing the Enemy: Mandela and the Game that Made a Nation by John Carlin. The filmmakers met with Carlin for a week in his Barcelona home, discussing how to transform the book into a screenplay. Filming began in March 2009 in Cape Town. Primary filming in South Africa was completed in May 2009.
Morgan Freeman was the first actor to be cast, as Mandela. Matt Damon was then cast as team …
Reception
The film was met with generally positive reviews. Review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes reports that 76% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 246 reviews, with an average score of 6.60/10. The website's critical consensus is: "Delivered with typically stately precision from director Clint Eastwood, Invictus may not be rousing enough for some viewers, but Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman inhabit their real-life characters with admirable conviction." On Metacritic, t…
Soundtrack
1. "9000 days" – Overtone with Yollandi Nortjie
2. "Invictus Theme" – Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens
3. "Colorblind" – Overtone
4. "Siyalinda" – Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens
See also
• List of American films of 2009
• Politics and sports
• English-language accents in film – South African