Book analysis of INVICTUS by Conrado Colocho

INVICTUS

The film tells the early years live in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid. After being released from prison in 1990, Nelson Mandela activist leader manages to arrive years after the presidency of South Africa, and from that position you have to build a policy of reconciliation between the black majority, who were oppressed under Apartheid, and the minority white, shown fearful of a possible revenge by the new government.

To this end, Mandela turns his attention to the South African rugby, known as “Springboks”.

Mandela realizes that black people attending the games “Springboks” just to support the contrary, something he was also recalled that when he was in prison.

Mandela decides to support the national team.

Mandela calls then the team captain. Francois Piennar, to a meeting in which he said that the triumph of the Rugby World Cup would be an achievement can unite and inspire a nation, and as proof of this, shares athlete with a poem written by William Ernest Henley called “Invictus” and that inspired him during his years in prison.

They doubt that rugby will be able to unite a nation that has been divided for 50 years by racial discrimination.

The team of the “Springboks” symbolizes the “white supremacy”. However, Mandela and Pienaar

The “Springboks” exceeded all expectations and qualify to the World Cup final, having to face the New Zealand team, the “All Blacks”.

Before the game, the “Springboks” visit Robben Island, the former prison where Mandela spent most of his 27 year sentence. The deeply moving experience to Pienaar, who is surprised by the fact that Mandela is a man able to forgive those who locked him in a cell for nearly 30 years.

Supported by both white and black, Pienaar motivates his team.

Just before the start, appears on the horizon a passenger plane. Fly over satin stadium, and its back shows the words “Good Luck Springboks”.

The “Springboks” won the game with a field goal kick.

Mandela and Pienaar gather on the field to celebrate the improbable and unexpected victory.

The city streets are filled with people in a unanimous conclusion regardless of race or social status.

The words of the poem “Invictus” are heard again in your mind.

I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul.