Friday, June 4, 2010

5 Thoughts: Invictus

Need something to watch this weekend? I have an idea. Have you seen "Invictus" with Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon? If not, see it. And don't worry, this blog will not spoil it for you. And if so, what did you think? After a slow start, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Multiple themes were inspirational- a nation coming together, the underdog's fight, seeing leadership in action. Here are my 5 thoughts:



  • Let's start with the actors. What is it about Morgan Freeman? He consistently gets put in the role of a leader, he consistently spouts wisdom, and he consistently gets these roles. I think it has something to do with the way he speaks- calm, confident, and only as much as he actually needs to. Hmmm... I think I could learn from that.

  • Matt Damon continues to choose roles correctly. When he and Ben Affleck came out on the scene with Good Will Hunting it seemed as if they both had unlimited potential. Well, Matt Damon has lived up to it more so, wouldn't you say? It seems he chooses meaningfully and based on what inspires him, rather than based on money or fame. And he's kinda hot. I love him.

  • Rugby. Okay, let's be honest, rugby would not do much to cause me to be proud or inspire me to change my mind or take some action. But, it obviously inspired some people. So, if other people inspire me, maybe down the line something as simple as a sport could eventually spur some social positivity in me, right?  Quit hatin' on football people, it might change your life.

  • I've said this before, but the national anthem makes me tear up every time. And it's not just the national anthem, it's really any large group display for something positive. And just a warning, it's getting worse the older I get too.

  • The poem they feature in the movie is called Invictus by William Ernest Henley. Way cool, check it out:
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.

How can you NOT be inspired by this? Be unconquerable, be proud, be courageous, be yourself...

...QueenB Says

2 comments:

  1. I really want to see the movie. For the actors in it, for the message, and for the fact that I love rugby. I used to play it so I know seeing the movie will make me want to get out on the pitch again, or at least find some games to go watch.

    One thing about rugby, after the game is over, both teams get together for food, drink, singing and comraderie.

    We need more movies that inspire and encourage.

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  2. Saw Invictus on the plane home last night, great film! A very inspriing story. A great film for all to see.

    I remember sitting in a bar in San Diego, early on a 1995 foggy morning with my fellow rugby players to watch the final match in the World Cup featured in the movie. At the time (and maybe still) the New Zealand All Blacks were the best team in the world followed by Australia. The fact that the Springboks even made it as far as they did was shocking. It was a great game with a great outcome.

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