Reel Critic:

When Clint Eastwood was costarring with orangutans in the late 1970s, it was impossible to imagine the respect and artistic freedom he now enjoys as he nears his 80th birthday. Once the most popular movie star in the world, Eastwood now has few peers as a moviemaker. His track record of award-winning films has afforded him an almost unheard-of level of autonomy in Hollywood, which allows him to bring projects to fruition that normally would never get made.

Eastwood’s latest effort, “Invictus,” could probably not have been completed by any other filmmaker. “Invictus” tells the story of how South African President Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) helped unify his country by supporting a rugby team mostly composed of whites in the 1995 World Cup.

Mandela, considered a terrorist by the South African government, served 27 years in prison for his militant opposition to apartheid rule. After his release from prison in 1990, Mandela worked with South African President F. W. de Klerk to negotiate free multiracial elections, which eventually took place in 1994. For their efforts, Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The African National Congress (ANC) won 62% of the vote. As leader of the ANC, Mandela became the first black president of South Africa on May 10, 1994.

Many whites feared the ANC would be preoccupied with retribution for decades of white oppression. Surprisingly, Mandela instead chose a road of forgiveness and reconciliation. One of his most visible efforts in this regard was his very public support of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks.

Viewed by many black South Africans as a symbol of the oppressive apartheid government, the Springboks were nearly disbanded and their name and colors eliminated. Few black South Africans followed rugby, and those that did would support whatever team played against the Springboks.

Mandela realized that taking away the institutions held dear by the white population would further alienate this group that still controlled nearly all of the banks, corporations and wealth of the country. Additionally, Mandela felt the black population would realize his steadfast commitment to reconciliation when they saw him embrace this symbol of oppression. However, it was very unlikely the Springboks could win the World Cup, and they were only in the tournament as South Africa was the host nation.

Part biography, part sports movie, “Invictus” is a rousing effort on both fronts. The intelligence, leadership and humanity displayed by Mandela toward his persecutors are inspiring and instructive. The final rugby match itself against the heavily favored New Zealand All Blacks is as exciting as any other sports film in recent memory.

The choice of Freeman to play Mandela is so obvious that no other actor even comes to mind. Reportedly long acquainted with Mandela, Freeman gives a deceptively effortless performance. Freeman, now in his 70s as was Mandela when he assumed the presidency, plays the famous statesman as a weary warrior steeling himself for his last and most important battle. Mandela’s refusal to resort to petty revenge probably saved his country from the upheaval and destruction experienced by so many other newly independent African nations.

The man Mandela inspired to greatness is the Springboks’ captain, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon). Pienaar slowly comes to realize the importance of what Mandela is trying to do and, by example, pushes his team to give a superhuman effort. The real Pienaar is a much bigger man than Damon, but the actor gives an impassioned performance and appears sufficiently athletic for this pivotal role.

As usual, Eastwood has produced a thoughtful, high-quality motion picture that will most likely garner several award nominations in the coming months. Certainly, Freeman will receive a nod or two for his portrayal of a living historical figure. “Invictus” is a rare example of a film celebrating the best of human nature and doing it in a most entertaining manner.

VAN NOVACK is the assistant vice president of institutional research and assessment at Cal State Long Beach and lives in Huntington Beach with his wife, Elizabeth.