Invictus, An Anthem Of Overcoming And Friendship
Invictus is a wonderful film directed by Clint Eastwood based on John Carlin’s book Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed a Nation . It narrates the friendship that arises between the newly appointed president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and the captain of the Springboks, François Pienaar, played by Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, respectively.
However, we don’t want to talk about the technical details of this fantastic film in today’s article. Rather, let’s focus on the values of friendship and resilience that the film inspires.
How is Invictus?
After leaving prison, Nelson Mandela assumes the presidency of a country divided and confronted by the hatred and racism caused by segregation and apartheid.
However, the resourceful activist finds a way to unify his nation. It’s nothing more than finding a common ground, something that he discovers in the South Africans’ passion for rugby, creating a meeting point in the Springboks, the national team.
However, the Springboks are having a difficult time in their careers. Despite being one of the most powerful and important teams in the world, their game has been declining and the team’s defeats are constant.
Finally, Mandela manages to talk to François Pienaar, captain of the South African National Rugby Team. From there, a friendship will emerge that will last until the president’s death and that will allow the Springboks to be world champions and the entire nation to unite .
friendship can do anything
Friendship is a feeling of trust and affection between people. This is what arises when Nelson Mandela and François Pienaar meet. Despite the whites’ initial reticence, the president’s insistence on forgiving and unifying, leaving hatred and racism behind, allows a beautiful relationship to emerge between them that will eventually set an example.
The example of friendship and caring that emerges between Mandela and Pienaar is apt to reduce hatred and animosity not just in South Africa but across the world. When two people desire with all their strength to unite in a circle of caring, solidarity and mutual support, there is nothing on the planet that is capable of separating them.
Overcoming people
Whenever there is a bond between people, we become much stronger. Knowing that you have your friend, partner or sibling on your side gives you enormous energy that allows you to work much harder to move forward and not lose heart.
In this case, thanks to Mandela’s support and friendship, François Pienaar is able to strengthen and encourage some depressed Springbok players, who only know how to lose games, to the despair of whites and the joy of blacks in South Africa.
However, Mandela’s play and his desire to improve, overcome, unity and forgiveness, manages to make a friendship between two people end up uniting an entire country in a big hug, without looking at the person next to him or the color of your skin.
Finally, what remains are the people, their friendship and solidarity. Mandela’s support for Pienaar gives him strength to pass it on to the rest of the team. The energy of the Springboks team is passed on to an entire country in love with rugby that bursts into joy and glee when they achieve victory, thanks to the common effort of millions of people who support and understand each other.
Unity is strength
The most important lesson Invictus leaves us is that the union and friendship of two people can exert enormous power over thousands of people capable of changing, supporting each other, forgetting grudges and disputes and looking all in the same direction. as one to achieve strength and victory.
We must not forget that together we are stronger and better. This is a great lesson Invictus offered us. Friendship and solidarity allow us to leave hatred and loneliness behind. That alone is great victories.
