It's Just Movies

— by JON MARTINCIC —

The story of Nelson Mandela’s road to presidency in South Africa has been long overdue. The Clint Eastwood-directed “Invictus” follows the story of the newly-elected Nelson Mandela as he works to unite the people of South Africa through the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

The cast seems to fit the bill for what I expect to be an instant classic — barring a huge meltdown. Nelson Mandela is played by Morgan Freeman, in what I believe to be a brilliant casting choice. Matt Damon will play opposite Freeman as Francois Pienaar, a star on the nation’s Rugby team.

Nelson Mandela, to those who don’t know, was part of a resistance to apartheid in the mid-20th century. He spent over a quarter of the century in prison — then forgave those who placed him there.

“Invictus” is set for release on Dec. 11, 2009.

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