Invictus is definitely a film worth seeing, both by sports fans and the politically savvy, but sluggish pacing early on and some other poor choices prevent it from being what I would call a great movie. First the good stuff: Invictus is a compelling true story, with appeal across the spectrum. Matt Damon gives a quite sufficient performance, and Morgan Freeman is excellent. Clint Eastwood takes his time developing his characters and his treatment of post-Apartheid race relations in South Africa is eloquent and moving. As a rugby player disappointed by Hollywood's treatment of the game to date, I was very happy to see a much more well-informed and respectful portrayal of the game. The bad: This movie's trailer featured some powerful traditional African music, which was often usurped in the film by an annoying South African pop band. Morgan Freeman seemed forced into a few lines that were clearly intended to dumb things down for the audience. Overall a very good movie!

Though Invictus moves slowly at times, it is a typically brilliant job by Director Clint Eastwood with plenty of highly emotional moments. The script was tight and if you didn't know that the story was real, you'd say it was impossible. The writer's use of the President's security force as a microcosm of South Africa was a brilliant choice. Matt Damon did a very good job as the Captain of the Rugby team; he just wasn't asked to do much -- we kept waiting for some great emotional speech or moment of inspiration and other than the final minutes of the World Cup game, his character never said nor did much that was exceptional. What was execeptional was the performance and the role of Nelson Mandela as played by Morgan Freeman. The thoughtfulness of this great man came through in every scene with Mr. Freeman. It should be seen by families and kids of all ages.

This is a "Must Go" movie. It is a beautiful story of human conflict and choices. It is a story of how, from the deep shadows of darkness can come forgiveness and healing. Wonderful movie, Clint Eastwood did it again. Two Thumbs up for: Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon.

This is a must-see film for all people interested in the struggle in South African. It is a true story of how everyday happenings can have profound effect. Morgan Freeman is his usal best. And while I am not a big Matt Damon fan, he was great in his role as the instrument of Mandela's peace offering to All the people of South Africa.

I got the impression this was another one of those "Underdogs Win Championships" movie that we've all seen before in Hoosiers, Major League, etc. The truth is, the rugby matches are a small part of the real story going on here. While I thought the Nelson Mandela story was just a sideline that was going to be "why" the South African national team had to win, it was the other way around. The story is one about this amazing individual who spent 27 years in a tiny cell because of his stand against Apartheid. He could've come out bitter, who would blame him? He lost his wife and family, for the most part, during those years, and it wasn't like the individuals who put him away were even asking for forgiveness. But he knew that if he could find one small thing both factions could route for, it would help build unity that was non-existent in South Africa at that time. He teaches forgiveness from a personal example and Morgan Freeman was completely believable in the role. Oscar material.