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Invictus

Invictus

2009
Drama, History
2h 14m
The story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people.
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Invictus

2009
Drama, History
2h 14m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 49.24% from 2569 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(2569)
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Rated 28 Dec 2009
4
35th
Eastwood milks the sentiment of the term "Invictus" which means "unconquered" for all its worth. A lot of the stuff in this film never happened and they really exaggerate other parts. A forgettable movie from a very talented director. This could've been better but it suffers from a screenplay that lacks subtlety and one that is just too formulatic. Also some of the songs they used were beyond awful, but overall this was just average, nothing to write home about or even remember.
Rated 13 Dec 2009
4
43rd
The pinnacle of "oh, that's nice" cinema: an amiable, well-produced, well-acted sports/political drama without a single moment that earns a visceral emotional reaction or a single scene that will be remembered by 2011.
Rated 13 Dec 2009
45
41st
Summed up by the trailer for the most part, Invictus seems unable to truly justify its length, relying on somewhat cheap non-conflict (oh no, the Mandela's black bodygaurds don't trust the white ones) and rugby struggle (without ever giving any insight into the sport) to expand the scope of the story. All the same, the old moral adages of forgiveness and unity have the added weight of Mandela's bio and Morgan Freeman's performance, combined with the simple pleasure of rooting for the underdog.
Rated 27 Dec 2009
11
25th
All I remember is one dude turns to another guy in the stands and says "We win!" and that's how we found out they won one of the games.
Rated 04 Jan 2010
67
16th
I love Eastwood and his work, especially in recent years, but it's a rare thing when streaks never end. Here there's nothing especially wrong with Eastwood's direction; it's as solid and classically polished as always, but the material is the heart of the problem for Invictus. It's your average inspiring sports movie mixed in with Nelson Mandela. Freeman does an excellent job, but he appears to be the only standout. Everything else about this movie just feels so... bland.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
5
20th
"Inspiration: The Movie". I remember giving a lengthy presentation about South Africa, that place is riddled with problems: violence, crime, white flight. Eastwood's directorial theatrics had little effect on me. At one point Damon says: "7 minutes, this is our destiny". It's easy to incorporate such cheesy lines into an already messy script, since they won the title 15 years ago. And would it hurt them to score at least one try (~touchdown) ?! Freeman was good though. Also, CGI spectators.
Rated 13 Dec 2009
75
34th
The performances are solid, as expected from a "prestige picture" like this, but the dialogue sort of beats you over the head with its over-explained metaphors, and the rugby element is pretty standard sports movie material. Also, there are quite a few unintentionally funny moments worthy of YouTube.
Rated 08 Jan 2010
50
36th
I was disappointed a little because Clint Eastwood was doing great works as a director. But do not misunderstand, it is well-acted, well directed, well done. But the story is too simple and ordinary, so forgettable, I expected more in this regard.
Rated 10 Dec 2009
60
85th
An anti-revenge film, a reconciliation film, it could have been titled Forgiven to round out the course of contrition Eastwood undertook way back with Unforgiven. Freeman as Mandela (put a batik shirt on his back and a smile on his face and it's amazing how well he can pass) and Damon as the rugby captain struggle to outdo one another in stoical underplaying, and neither struggles noticeably with the accent.
Rated 20 Dec 2009
50
40th
Invictus is like those movies you saw as a kid, where a sports team would overcome all odds to win the Little League Championship or something. Except this time, it's made with good actors, a good director and it's based on a true story. Nothing was that special about it, save Freeman's performance, which was quite good, but it's also virtually flawless as well. I doubt it will take home many -- if any -- awards, but it's a nice, solid film that does a job and does it well.
Rated 02 Mar 2010
74
63rd
Clint Eastwood makes great movies, and 'Invictus' happens to be a good movie aspiring for greatness. There's something very Hallmark about this Nelson Mandela/Rugby film. It's meant to inspire and get people off their feet, but I felt as though much of the importance at heart went skimmed over. Freeman is great here--but it's to no surprise, and Damon is fine but hasn't much to do. In the end, I was left admiring a project I had little investment in.
Rated 21 Sep 2015
1
20th
[df] Period setting is done really well but 'flat' Eastwood direction and it's so oscar-bait that even some of the extras seemed to be trying for one. Then there's the 'nationalism yay!' message...
Rated 11 Feb 2010
60
57th
A decent film by Eastwood, but not his best. Especially Damon is a bit flat.
Rated 19 Feb 2011
60
26th
By the numbers sports-film, with a touch of social significance due to its basis in reality. I liked the juxtaposition between sports and the "issues that matter" that often came up within Mandela's inner circle, as he recognized that sometimes those "lesser" things do play a truly significant role in the lives of people. That said, the music was often terrible (yes, I'm talking to you helicopter scene), and the cliches and directness leave the film unable to make a lasting artistic impact.
Rated 18 Jun 2010
75
73rd
The main reason I liked this movie was because of the acting of Morgan Freeman. Him playing the role of Mandela was amazing. Matt Damon acted well, but its hard to come out of the shadow of Morgan Freeman. I was disappointed by the way movie panned out, it was neither a political nor a sports movie. The movie tries to be inspirational movie but just doesnt make it there as it attempts to be political at times. Its a decent movie at the end. Its not a movie that i would strongly recommend.
Rated 19 Oct 2010
73
48th
I didn't really learn too much about rugby in this film. One of the few times where I kinda felt Damon's perfomance was just ok. I just couldn't buy him in that character. Freeman was good as Mandella, but I just never found the movie pulling me in or grabbing me. When I finished this movie I asked my date if she would be more inclined to try to play rugby now but she curtly said no. I tend to agree with her, and I say that with con(victus)ion.
Rated 04 Jun 2010
20
21st
Average. This is a by the numbers film with a feel-good plot and a stellar cast. But its biggest flaw is Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Mandela. He emulates the man's appearance and his physical traits and quirks to a tee but fails to capture his soul, and Mandela has a soul too big to be missed. Matt Damon is also unconvincing as the SA rugby captain. Too many flaws. Not Recommended.
Rated 08 Jan 2010
73
53rd
Invictus is a forgettable but still good drama that lacks the usual directional bite, heart and talent Eastwood brings to his films. The screenplay is a bit messy and doesn't quite match with the real matter of the events in which the film focuses on. Freeman along with Damon are top-notch, with Freeman himself looking remarkably an awful lot like Mandela. A bit of a departure from Eastwood, but then again who could go on making good films forever?
Rated 25 Jan 2010
50
27th
While I'm sure that Mandela is a great man, this disappointingly maudlin drama based on true events does not do him justice. Although the performances are good, the formulaic and overly sentimental script is a mess.
Rated 14 Mar 2011
77
44th
Vredu, gledljiv film, odlična igra freemana, vseeno mu manjka tisto nekaj, da bi mu dal višjo oceno.
Rated 20 Mar 2011
2
50th
No mention of 'susie the waitress'?
Rated 02 Apr 2010
79
34th
Something similar to a mix of "Cool Runnings" and films such as "Hotel Rwanda" or "The Last King of Scotland". Some great moments, but some stupid clichés as well.
Rated 27 Jan 2010
80
79th
ruined a bit because I haven't got a clue what the rules of Rugby are and they don't really help with that. Still good though
Rated 03 May 2010
75
76th
http://zoopy.com/q/2ivf Follow this link for the full review
Rated 16 Sep 2011
69
73rd
Practically begs for an Academy Award by yanking at heartstrings but it is still interesting with a few solid performances.
Rated 19 Apr 2010
40
25th
Even without the HORRIFIC pop anthems, Eastwood's latest is still only a tired biopic / sports drama by a master who I'm afraid is going senile. It isn't enough to glorify the sport and the characters, the script also makes it's points about Apartheid painfully clear by underlining them with entire scenes devoted just for that specific purpose. I'm pretty sure we all know that it was a baaad thing.
Rated 09 Dec 2010
89
67th
A extremely good movie
Rated 22 Jun 2010
95
83rd
Morgan Freeman was great.
Rated 25 Dec 2009
45
5th
Turning the story of Mandela and apartheid into a basic feel good movie is unforgivable, especially when you have two normally amazing actors playing the leads.
Rated 23 Feb 2016
97
87th
Great True Story well acted and well depicted. I was entertained and uplifted .... I can't ask for much more from my $2.99
Rated 20 Apr 2017
60
40th
All in all, its just so forgettable. While Freeman gives an awesome Mandela performance, none of the rest of the cast is particularly awesome or fleshed out. The story is predictable and follows exactly the pattern you'd imagine, but its not horrible, just easy to read.
Rated 20 Feb 2017
78
65th
An engaging and interesting story helps shed light on a Mandela-led South Africa
Rated 19 Sep 2017
83
43rd
Powerful movie with great performances from the co-leads. The rest you have to move past.
Rated 06 Apr 2010
71
29th
Sadly a good story made boring. Annoying how the rugby scenes are done, and you get no relation to the team at all. Flat and unemotional. A rare thumb down for Clint. Well played by Freeman.
Rated 16 May 2010
50
30th
If you read my full review, please do believe me: I would change the rating from 4 to 3 stars out of 6 if I could. But I can't. Clint Eastwood needs to pull himself together, doesn't he?
Rated 21 Jun 2010
70
67th
Flawed. but hugely enjoyable. Obviously it's not Clint's best work, with some clumsy scipting, editing, questionable musical choices, and even at over 2 hours long it feels a little shallow & rushed. Even so, Damon & Freeman are excellent, & backed up by a solid enough support cast. The Rugby scenes are well choreographed, but feel a bit too timid & clean; lacking the impact of a Union match, with even Lomu looking a little teddybear like! Still very enjoyable, if slightly rose-tinted biopic.
Rated 02 Jan 2011
70
26th
I caught myself smiling and getting chills on the screen throughout the film.
Rated 06 May 2011
85
54th
This movie was entirely to long, not really a bad movie but if you have trouble with strong accents, you will have a hard time understanding this. Plus the ending just kinda happens a it misses out on the rare factor. Just watched this again and realized if Obama was more like Morgan Freeman/Mandela he would have been one of the 5 greatest presidents ever instead of the joke he turned out to be.
Rated 26 Dec 2009
70
31st
great actors, great screenplay. now the story is very overlooked - too many subjects are overlooked, doesn't really get into either of them - mandela's incarceration, apartheid, rugby's games...
Rated 06 Feb 2010
65
66th
Pretty good start. However there are a lot of cheesily delivered lines from the lesser known actors, and even from Damon. Freeman does a decent job with the role. Too bad the last half hour is absolutely nothing but slow motion sports. Not even sports highlights, just rugby and grunting and overacting. Still, an engaging story for most of the film. From Mandela's cell the yard where they would break rocks and shovel gravel looks just as I imagined it when reading Long Walk to Freedom.
Rated 03 Apr 2010
50
43rd
Run-of-the-mill sports drama, with a bit of added Mandela. It's nice and all, but in a post-'Any given Sunday' world, the sports sequences are simply not up to scratch. Freeman as Mandela is good, if very Freeman-as-Mandela-like, and Damon has been practicing his African-English accent for the Oscars. On that note the whole affair, whilst not completely disengaging, feels perfectly shaped into an inoffensive inspirational drama, to appease the academy. One of Eastwoods lesser efforts.
Rated 11 Dec 2009
80
80th
For those afraid of this being just another sports movie, fear not. This is about a lot of things and the foremost is well represented in this quote from the movie: Mozibuko (aide)--"You're risking your political capital, you're risking your future as our leader." Mandela--"The Day I am afraid to do that is the day I am no longer fit to lead." Some traffic has already been comparing Freeman's Mandela to Obama, but this at least is where they part company.
Rated 10 Mar 2010
84
38th
I recommend this film, despite the ending which was rather anticlimactic.
Rated 24 Aug 2010
45
31st
Starts off interestingly enough with a few different viewpoints (the bodyguards one was unexpected and most interesting for me), but soon deteriorates to a run-of-a-mill sports movie. You know, the kind where team wins against all odds and in the process unites the nation. I don't believe the truth is anything that beautiful. Unoriginal and unimportant movie that I believe is fairly entertaining only because Eastwood is a good director.
Rated 19 Jan 2013
80
53rd
Invictus is a great, solid film because it does what it does better than any film that comes to mind. It's a rather basic sports entertainment except with an unusual amount of talent and intelligence composing it. Damon and especially Freeman are dynamite, the direction is practically without issue and its good fun without being imposing or overdone (one of Eastwood's best directorial qualities).
Rated 16 May 2015
55
23rd
It did peak my interest about Mandela's life and character so I think that's the best thing I can say about the movie. The editing was not good at all, even looked amateurish at times. Damon and Freeman were great and it had a few good moments but apart from that it was not that amazing. The story was interesting and as I've mentioned, Mandela is an amazing person but other than that not much to show here. Apart from how great sports are!
Rated 17 Apr 2010
77
84th
It starts off by telling a good true story but as it progresses the last 3/4 of an hour are a rugby game. It's fortunate I didn't know what actually happened or I would probably have been bored by this point. Morgan Freeman plays a good Nelson Mandela but it is hard not to see him as Morgan Freeman. But the overriding factor is that this is a story of a great man.
Rated 27 Aug 2011
81
72nd
Found this very engaging. It definitely does not move quickly and I think it takes a particular historical interest to really enjoy it.
Rated 26 Oct 2012
72
63rd
* Casting, Acting : 8 * Script : 6 * Directing, Aura : 8 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 7
Rated 13 Feb 2011
63
54th
Invictus is certainly not among Clint's best, but provides solid acting and a rewarding inspirational tone.
Rated 18 May 2010
61
39th
Mandela'nin sporun evrensel gucunu kesfetmis olmasi filmin temelini olusturuyor.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
76
56th
This is a very enjoyable fell good movie. It is both a sports and a political movie. Morgan Freeman is great and charming in the lead role.
Rated 26 May 2012
91
33rd
great movie to teach forgiveness
Rated 23 May 2010
75
71st
Sports dramas are known for heavily manufactured sentiment and cliches but this one is based on an actual serendipitous victory that did have a mild social impact. Eastwood wasn't trying to manipulate the audience into believing issues in South Africa were solved overnight but that it represented at least a chance of reconciliation. The acting is decent with Freeman/Damon who were well cast. Unfortunately the genre has been worn so thin even a competent sports film still doesn't stand out.
Rated 15 Feb 2010
70
34th
Eastwood's material has always been sappy, and this is no exception. Freeman sort of phones it in and both characters are fairly underdeveloped, but after watching the abortion that was The Blind Side, this other unsubtle sports movie that's also about racism seems like a breath of fresh air.
Rated 14 Aug 2010
77
53rd
Well produced but fails to explain how a rotten rugby team was suddenly able to turn things around in less than a year to win the world cup. We all know why they did, but the film itself lacks that same charisma which inspired the team.
Rated 26 Oct 2011
20
41st
"Clint Eastwood's films are often termed "classical," a term that, with regard to Invictus, also suggests something close to stale." - Nick Schager
Rated 01 May 2010
56
71st
Mistake - The first game Mandela attends (against England) is shown as being poorly attended, but it was actually sold out.
Rated 15 Jun 2010
80
87th
Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman can you get any better.
Rated 14 Aug 2012
70
57th
Decent, solid movie.
Rated 21 Nov 2010
85
62nd
Enjoyability 21/25 Visuals 12/15 Audio 7/10 Acting 8/10 Story/Plot 21/25 Production Values 7/10 Intuitiveness/Ambitiousness 3/5 Bonus 6/10
Rated 26 Jul 2010
86
76th
Though it was supposed to be a Mandela biopic, it was a story of nation's reunion. Freeman is great in his performance and imitation of SAR president. The rest of the cast works also good together. Eastwood did a great job but it's not the movie I'm going to rewatch sometime later.
Rated 06 Mar 2010
71
60th
Freeman and Damon are solid as two men from very different worlds working towards a common goal. And, as usual, Eastwood delivers--in this case, with the compelling tale of how a sport can pull together people for the greater good--though glossing over much of the historical figures and times.
Rated 24 Dec 2010
1
0th
Eastwood bungles his subject.
Rated 05 Oct 2013
80
64th
79.500
Rated 04 Dec 2015
85
85th
I suspect that your rating of this film might depend on whether you like rugby or not and have a passing recollection of the amazing events and almost impossible facts played out in 1995. The story relly IS amazing, and Eastword, Damon and Freeman do it complete justice. This is a wonderful depiction of two men from different planets, thrown together by cicumstances, but with the common decency, foresight and ambition to make a real difference. Wonderfully filmed, wonderfully uplifting.
Rated 24 Dec 2009
5
43rd
Clint Eastwood puts a remarkable amount of detail into every sequence. Morgan Freeman gives a great performance as Mandela which is the films real highlight. One of those good movies but not something I'll be raving about to watch.
Rated 08 Feb 2010
90
85th
Inspiring and inspired in a true story.
Rated 13 Feb 2010
83
79th
Eastwood shows the rest of the Hollywood how to make an inspiring sports movie. Freeman and Damon shine in the lead roles.
Rated 24 Mar 2010
73
70th
Movie started as political one but ended up as a sports film, but I have to say the ending was thrilling. Morgan Freeman as Mandela was great. High points for Matt Damon as well.
Rated 02 Mar 2010
68
46th
South-africa is interesting.. the rugby not so, and from the start you know already what the storylines gonna be
Rated 02 Jan 2014
3
65th
Not among the best coming out from Eastwood in the past decade. Freemans portrait of Mendela is plausible and convincing. Damon is decent. The movie is actually pretty ordinary in its genre and does not have that much to offer besides playing back history. You feel good afterwards, however you will only remember this movie from the many others, because of Mandela and his history. - Good.
Rated 21 Dec 2009
84
59th
The most inspiring film of 2009. Freeman was inspiring and Damon acted like a champion. Even those of you who dont like Sports related film may like this for the positive message it sends. This was one of those movies that realistically showed us courage and strength and what it means to bring people together. This movie was filled with hope. Mandela inspired a nation and Pineaar made there dreams a reality. Good film
Rated 07 Feb 2010
70
21st
Another very good movie by Clint Eastwood. Morgan Freeman is splendid, his second best performance (first is in Driving Miss Daisy), Matt Damon is good. A story that in another more incompetent hands would become a very cliché movie, but happly it's Eastwood.
Rated 30 Nov 2012
50
28th
As a non-South African, I can't speak to the accuracy of the movie's racial politics, but they feel insultingly vague.
Rated 15 Jun 2014
77
47th
- 11/8/10
Rated 18 Jan 2010
58
23rd
Sure it has a bigger historical meaning, but it can't help being a corny sports flick.
Rated 07 Mar 2010
85
62nd
The sport part is just breathtaking.
Rated 10 Jan 2011
93
93rd
Ótimo filme, baseado em fatos reais, execelente história, muito emocionante, com ótimas atuações, morgan freeman ficou realmente muito parecido com mandela. Recomendo.
Rated 15 Dec 2010
70
40th
The film that made me finally accept that Clint Eastwood is NOT a great director. He's an acceptable one, but this film above all his others was so easy to have been made better that one must wonder what he was thinking. We all know how much racial strife there was in South Africa but instead of showing enough of that we get long drawn out cheering crowd sequences that do nothing but extend the running time. This is far too lightweight a film for what it could have been.
Rated 05 Aug 2010
52
54th
Okay Movie
Rated 24 May 2014
65
66th
Sports movies and Oscar-bait, my two least favourite categories. I enjoyed this more than I hoped to, but it's nothing remarkable. I reckon the only parts of this I'll remember much of are those where Freeman (doing a fine Mandela) quotes words or speeches from the man himself. Everything else is a bit lacklustre and not up to Eastwood's usual standards. And he has no idea how to shoot sporting action for a sport as fast and fluid as rugby, treating it like stodgy stop-start American football.
Rated 25 Feb 2015
75
63rd
Sometimes a little tone-deaf when it comes to the actual subject matter of race, but Morgan Freeman gives an unbelievable performance, and I always love what Clint Eastwood brings to the table as a director.
Rated 25 Mar 2010
70
44th
drags a little
Rated 06 Oct 2016
45
14th
Your dad will probably love it.
Rated 01 Oct 2010
77
81st
about a real man !
Rated 20 Jan 2018
70
19th
Viewed January 19, 2018.
Rated 11 Aug 2014
85
68th
Made the year Obama took office, one simply cannot watch the film without thinking of the parallels of a polarizing black leader whose diplomacy was his hope for reaching across irreconcilable aisles. It's still it's own story, regardless, but an uncharacteristically optimistic one for Eastwood. Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman inhabit their real-life characters with admirable conviction, and the pay-off is inspiring and uplifting without being cloying or affected.
Rated 20 Sep 2018
51
53rd
Despite being a fan of the game of rugby I just can't help but feel a little let down by this one. The story skirts around the real issues as much as it possibly can which might be fine if everything weren't so otherwise by the numbers. Eastwood and Freeman are fantastic though as the director and star, respectively and help prop up an otherwise standard affair.
Rated 21 May 2011
70
41st
Pretty decent, nothing amazing. I'm assuming this is mostly about Clint figuring out how to shoot concussive movement.
Rated 06 Feb 2013
20
8th
Utterly nauseating, manipulative sports flick. The admittedly important framing political events are so cheapened by the style that there is naught but bathos by the end.
Rated 28 Dec 2010
81
69th
81.000
Rated 15 Feb 2010
40
19th
For the first hour I was on board for this. Yeah, it had some corny parts but they were outweighed by the solid drama and performances. The second half however descends fully into overblown sports film cliche territory. The song choices really do not help. Some of them are horrendous and completely took me out of the film. In the end I'm guessing you're meant to feel elated and inspired by what Mandela and the rugby team has accomplished. Sadly I was just kind of bored.
Rated 29 Dec 2010
50
32nd
A prime example of the way artistic nobility can drain all the energy from a film. Eastwood's workmanlike approach as a director has its uses, but it's ill-suited to a driving sports epic. His best attempt at conveying the tension of a tight contest is to present the action more and more slowly as the game clock ticks down, as if the film is approaching the edge of the universe and time is grinding to a halt. Freeman and Damon do yeoman's work in roles that are more symbol than character.
Rated 20 Oct 2010
77
63rd
nice movie with an important historical and inspirational message only great people like Mandela could accomplish.
Rated 01 Sep 2015
55
27th
Did you know that the producers for this movie gifted Nelson Mandela's wife, Winnie, a special necklace in commemoration for this film? Just search "Winnie Mandela necklace" to learn more.
Rated 28 Apr 2016
10
36th
W3E1P1S0V1M1A2R1.
Rated 12 May 2018
80
63rd
Invictus was a treat. I didn't really know much about this movie. I didn't know how much it would feature Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela but was surprised that it was more of a story of Mandela than it was about rugby. I don't know much about rugby but this movie did teach me a few things about the sport. The story of a newly formed country and that country's less than top-tier rugby team overcoming overwhelming odds to become the best in the world is what sports movies are all about.
Rated 05 Sep 2020
65
41st
Very hokey in places, and there isn't much character depth to anyone, Freeman's Mandela included. However, if you put the sentiment of it to one side, as a simple sports movie the rugby sequences are actually very well done. It doesn't lean on Captain Obvious commentators at all, the action feels reasonably real, and it gets across plenty of the game's physicality in a way so many sports films just don't manage.

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