Sunday, March 7, 2010

Invictus


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.
 
William Ernest Henley
 
 
Adrian and I went to see Invictus on Friday evening, starring Morgan Freeman and directed by Clint Eastwood.  An incredible movie, it certainly got us chatting on the way home.  About Nelson Mandela joining forces with the captain of the Sprinboks Rugby team François Pienaar,  to unite the nation of South Africa, this movie brings to light the racial tension that existed in South Africa at the time.  While the non white population cheered for any team playing against the Springboks at the time, Nelson wanted to unite the nation through them.  He encourges the black population to support the team and not change the colours and name as they were wanting to do.  To them the Springboks represented white supremacy and racism.  The team themselves is at first hesitant to do coaching tours of the small towns, but after a while they seem to enjoy their visits.  It is an interesting movie, showing how knowing, understanding and sharing with each race, first the security team, both black and white and then the rugby team and finally the nation could unite and be one.  I'm not sure when I read and hear what is happening in South Africa and Zimbabwe and so many other nations in Africa if this is happening today, but the movie did labour on this point.  Nelson Mandela shares the poen Invictus with Pienaar, telling him that when he wanted to do nothing more than lay down and give up this poem kept him going.  It is a wonderful piece.

4 comments:

  1. Kim I have not seen it yet, but will have to. Your header looks just fabulous, it is new right.
    glad you are well, take care.

    ReplyDelete
  2. such a beautiful photo, i will put this movie on my, to see list.
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cinner it is new a few days ago thanks I like it too. we are well and about to move soon oh the packing.

    Thanks Christina

    ReplyDelete
  4. I so want to see that movie...anything Morgan Freeman really.

    hope you are having a great day.
    xo

    ReplyDelete

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