Invictus, Latin for “unconquered,” is a 2009 biographical drama film based on events in South Africa before and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, hosted in that country following the dismantling of apartheid. The story is based on the John Carlin book “Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation.”
After 27 years in a Robben Island prison, Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) is released in 1990 and works immediately to bring about the end of apartheid and the initiation of full democratic elections. In such an election, the black majority population can vote. Mandela wins the race for president of South Africa and takes office in 1994. His immediate challenge is "balancing black aspirations with white fears." Racial tensions from the apartheid era have not completely disappeared and many predict a civil war in South Africa.
While Mandela attempts to tackle the country's largest problems—including crime and unemployment—he attends a game of the Springboks, the country's rugby union team. Mandela observes that non-whites in the stadium cheer against their home squad, since the Springboks (their history, players, and even their colors) represent prejudice and apartheid. In a potentially risky move, Mandela attempts to advance racial reconciliation by convincing the newly-black-dominated South African Sports Committee not to change the Springboks' name and colors.
Mandela later arranges a meeting with the captain of the Springboks rugby team, François Pienaar (played by Matt Damon). Though Mandela does not verbalize his true intention during their meeting, Pienaar understands the message below the surface–if the Springboks can gain the support of non-white South Africans and succeed in the upcoming World Cup, the country will be unified and inspired. Mandela also shares with Pienaar that a poem, Invictus, had inspired him during his time in prison, helping him to "stand when all he wanted to do was lie down."
Invictus
by William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Invictus, recently released on DVD, is widely available through most DVD outlets, including Netflix and Blockbuster. You might also try your local library.
Consider organizing a small group viewing of this movie. The discussion questions below can serve as starting points for discussion afterwards.
Image Credits: www.neoseeker.com
Have you seen a compelling movie that deals with men's issues? Submit a write-up for consideration in an upcoming issue of The Drumbeat. Your submission should be between 300 and 500 words in length, include at least one photo of a scene or poster of the film, and six to eight questions that can be used to facilitate a small group discussion. Generally speaking, your chosen movie should be a recent release (last six months) but your submission may focus on an older film, too, if you highlight its men's issues well in your write-up. Please email your submission to menswork@cacradicalgrace.org with subject: "For Drumbeat: Men and Movies."
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