Invictus Review
“Invictus” is based on a true story of how newly elected South African President, Nelson Mandela, united his country through means of rugby. He knew his nation was racially and economically divided. With the help of the national team’s rugby captain, played by Matt Damon, Mandela inspires South Africa’s rugby team to make history as they make it to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: May 18, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Talking Points:
Forgiveness is the crucial theme of the movie. Mandela says, “Forgiveness liberates the soul, it removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.” After spending 27 years for opposing apartheid, rather than seeking revenge, Mandela learned that in order for his country to survive, they must forgive and unite.
Invictus is Latin for “unconquerable,” it is a Victorian poem that inspired and strengthened Mandela while he was in prison. He references the poem frequently by saying, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” He also stresses to the rugby captain that a leader leads by example, which Mandela did an outstanding job of.
Some fun and amusing scenes throughout the movie involved Mandela’s black and white bodyguards. Initially Mandela’s longtime black bodyguards were upset when he added more bodyguards, who were white. It was wonderful to see them work together and gradually bond throughout the movie.
Sexual Content: Mild
- It’s implied two characters sleep together.
Violent Content: Moderate
Rugby is an aggressive, violent sport, played without pads. I did not enjoy the rugby scenes all that much, though it got very exciting.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- One f-word, and a few other swear words throughout the movie.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
- Players drink beer throughout the movie.
“Invictus” is an outstanding well-done movie. It was very interesting and educational. My 10 year old son liked it, though he got confused at times. My 12 and 13 year olds liked it a lot and thought it was very interesting. My 13 year old daughter thought Nelson Mandela was a very sweet, compassionate old man. She said, “His smile was contagious.” I felt the same way. We also saw about ten 16 year old boys in the theatre. They liked it as well. One boy said, “It was awesome.”
I loved the movie, though I’m giving it four buckets because the subject matter may not interest kids. It’s a 5 bucket movie, but a 4 bucket family movie.
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