Viewed in
2009
Premise
Based on a book about how in 1995, South African president Nelson Mandela used the national rugby team to help the country heal its apartheid wounds.
Who should watch
Clint Eastwood fans. History buffs?
Thoughts
It was good, but kind of boring, sadly.
The premise was interesting, and so was Mandela's political stance on keeping the uniforms that most of the country hated. As an American, I would be shocked if our national teams started wearing Confederate flags on their jerseys.
In addition, the film was full of inspiring lines and quotes about forgiveness and apartheid. Lastly, it also had an underdog story, since the South African rugby team was considered irrelevant.
While the premise was interesting, it probably would have been more interesting to read about instead of watching. There was not much happening onscreen, other than Mandela making speeches and the team playing some rugby, again and again. It is tough to educate an audience on how a country slowly heals without losing its essence nor losing the entertainment factor. Unfortunately, I do not think Eastwood pulled it off.
For example, a lot of screen time was dedicated to the integration of the Mandela's security guards. While the conflict (and racial tension) was interesting, that could have been just one and done, and the audience could refocus on Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. Same goes for the guards' assassination prevention subplot. I think the payoff of that subplot could have been just as dramatic with less scenes.
Lastly, I wished I watched it with subtitles, as I had trouble understanding some of the English due to strong accents.
Overall, there was some good, interesting stuff, especially for an ignorant American like me, but there was not enough happening to keep me vested emotionally into the characters or the story.
What I would change
Reduced the presidential guard/assassination attempt subplot.
Personal
The timing of the film was impeccable in my life, since I easily made parallels with recently-elected American president Barack Obama, and South Africa's upcoming hosting of futbol World Cup.
Also, the cast of minor characters looked very familiar, most likely from 'District 9'.
