Invictus
I saw Invictus this afternoon. I'm in love with this film. It managed to weave politics, systemic racism, and hardship together without being heavy-handed or preachy. With little gestures, the odd turn of phrase, a look between two people, a feeling was conveyed. As an audience member you're not beaten over the head with the idea that white South Africans and black South Africans hate and are distrustful of each other but you know it. Furthermore, Invictus really captured the anticipation, the nervousness, the raw feelings of watching your team doing the impossible. I felt, in the pit of my stomach, the same feeling I had this past June watching the Penguins in the final moments of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final, watching the South Africa/New Zealand World Cup Final match. And I already knew the outcome of that game - it took place 14 years ago! But even knowing the outcome, knowing the story, I was on edge with anticipation and joy watching the Bokke and All Blacks go at it.
Sometimes sport is much more than sport. And, delightfully, Invictus showed just how much more it can be. I wouldn't mind living inside this movie for awhile.
ETA:
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
Sometimes sport is much more than sport. And, delightfully, Invictus showed just how much more it can be. I wouldn't mind living inside this movie for awhile.
ETA:
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley