Who's in it?  Morgan Freeman (the best movie of all time and Matt Damon (the Bourne franchise)

What's it about? Nelson Mandela has been released from jail and wants to use the national Springbokke rugby team as a crucial tool to unite black and white South Africa.

Invictus is latin for unconquered, and is the titular poem by William Ernest Henley that the film alleges South African president Nelson Mandela (Freeman) gave to national rugby team president Francois Pienaar (Damon) on the march toward the World Cup. It is debatable whether this or another poem was given, but the context of this particular poem speaks loudly to a nation desperate to find a voice after interminable suffering, and also to a national team tired of losing in a country that reveres it's rugby like Antiguans revere cricket.

At first glance it's easy to see why Morgan Freeman was chosen to play such a pivotal figure as Mandela, after all, the actor is the "go-to" guy for any role that requires a certain level of intelligence and insight that most actors today simply cannot match. Matt Damon was a pleasant surprise as a leader who actually leads by example and takes his responsibilities seriously.

Unfortunately, the film rolls out a little too pat, a little to dear, as everyone who loves Mandela is wonderful and stare confused at anyone who doesn't. Fair enough, it would be next to impossible to portray the great Mandela as anything other than a loving, caring and passionate man who is hellbent on changing the way the world views a new South Africa and how the country views itself. And perhaps that is the problem with the film as there is a definite lack of tension. Thus, we know South Africa will do well, we know that the sole black player on the team will overcome injury to play for his country and we definitely know that the jumbo jet flying precariously low over the stadium will not crash onto the field.

Ultimately the film is an exercise in becoming the master of your own fate and overcoming the impossible. Cue the white lady bumping shoulders with her heretofore unappreciated housekeeper at the penultimate match. Watch, mesmerised as a Maori/White New Zealand team chant a Maori pre-game fight song, after a few South African team members initially refuse to sing their own anthem because - sung in five languages - its all gibberish. Invictus is really a foregone conclusion, but an enjoyable one. Unlike me though, just leave your cynicism and jaded sensibilities at home.

Invictus, rated PG-13. Coming soon to Deluxe Cinemas, High and Market Street. Call 462-2188 for showtimes.

3 out of 5 popcorns