'Invictus' - South Africa remains undefeated

Last week saw the international release of Clint Eastwood's latest movie, 'Invictus' (which means undefeated or unconquerable). It tells the Story of South Africa's 1995 Rugby World Cup win, along with the fascinating socio-political backdrop of the time. It stars Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela, and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar. Morgan Freeman may very well win an Oscar for this role.
The budget for the film was close to $US 60mil (That is over R420mil). And while the leading actors were Americans, most of the cast, production and content are South African. The film is another amazing show-case for South Africa, and is being (mostly) well received. In keeping with the actual 1995 final, Ellis Park was used for the rugby scenes, as were many other South African locations and backdrops.

Here are some of the positive comments:

"Invictus is an amazing, true story. I saw the film at a press screening but I plan to see Invictus again with my family because I want my children to see a story about leadership" (Michelle Lamar of My Gloss)

"But at its most powerful, "Invictus" operates on another plane entirely, as a depiction of pluralism at its most dynamic, unruly and inspiring. Most films trace the transformation of an individual protagonist, as he or she embarks on a quest and emerges irrevocably changed. Here, that character is South Africa itself, as Mandela tries mightily to wrench a country riven by tribal division and racism into a future of healing and peace" (Anne Hornaday of The Washington Post)

"As another Oscar season kicks into gear, Clint Eastwood returns with his annual contribution to Hollywood's self-esteem, in this case a solidly uplifting historical drama about President Nelson Mandela and South Africa's bid to win the Rugby World Cup in 1995" (Tom Charity of CNN)

"In classic Clint Eastwood style, "Invictus" is a film that not only demonstrates Mandela's genius but Eastwood's as well" (Denny Wayman of Christian Post)

"Audiences in North America will walk out of the theatre on a high, touched by the scenes of blacks and whites hugging each other at South Africa's improbable triumph at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, inspired by Nelson Mandela himself" (The Globe and Mail)

"Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus” benefits from having the weight of history, the thrill of sport and a nuanced performance by Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela"(Melena Ryzik of New York Times' Carpetbagger)

"It's a crafty film, made in the conciliatory spirit of the statesman Eastwood sees in Mandela" (Michael Phillips of Chicago Tribune)

What can we learn from South African Film Locations?

 District 9, released in 2009, is a science-fiction movie, reflecting many realities of South Africa's past and present. It was a block-buster hit of 2009, and to date, has grossed $200 million. Sara Vilkomerson, a movie critic at The New York Observer wrote:

"District 9 is the most exciting science fiction movie to come along in ages; definitely the most thrilling film of the summer; and quite possibly the best film I've seen all year."

Other critics were equally complimentary

Interestingly, the movie was shot on location in Chiawelo, in Soweto. In fact, the setting was mostly that of a shanty town, a typical township. Typical of the poverty and impoverished neighbourhoods that many South Africans are living in

Tsotsi tells the story of a South African street thug, who finds a baby on the back seat of a car he stole. The film was resleased in 2005. It was set in a slum, in Soweto. The film won an Oscar, and to date, has grossed $10 million.

 Jerusalema is a film that deals with the criminal underworld of Hillbrow, Johannesburg. It was submitted to the Academy Awards to qualify for a nominee, but was not selected

What I find fascinating about these movies is that they are all set within parts of South Africa, that many South Africans would rather not acknowledge. The poverty of township life, the criminal activity that exists within shanty towns, the thuggery of Hillbrow's organised criminal underworld.

But these 'negative' aspects of South Africa are the essential backdrops for these successful and critically acclaimed movies

There is a saying that goes "One man's rubbish is another man's treasure". Well, South Africa has so much 'rubbish' that the international movie industry, at least, recognizes as treasure. And that industry is willing to exploit our treasures.

The lesson, I feel, that can be learnt is that South Africa has so many unique issues, that we need to not only acknowledge, but also embrace. Some of those issues are not particulalry pleasant, but they are ours. And they can be seen as treasures

And so too in our personal lives, we have many personal issues. Let us view them as treasures, learn from them, and exploit them for the unique role they play in our lives

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Footnote:

Look out for Invictus, a movie directed by Clint Eastwood, detailing Nelson Mandela's life during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. It is due for release on December 11, 2009. It stars Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman

Check out the recently launched: http://www.safilmlocations.co.za/