Nelson Mandela and The Game that Made A Nation

Clint Eastwood’s Invictus starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, focuses in on the Rugby World Cup of 1995. Shortly after Nelson Mandela emerged from 27 years in prison and became president of South Africa in 1994, he seized upon using a rugby World Cup the following year as an opportunity to rally the entire nation, blacks and whites, behind the far-fetched prospect of South Africa taking it home.

The film, which hit theaters early December, was originally titled “The Human Factor.” However, the later chosen title, “Invictus” refers to a poem that Mandela recited by William Ernest Henley. Freeman, now 72, was cast for the role of Mandela long before the script was written. During a press conference in the ’90s, the South African leader was asked who he’d like to play him in a movie version of his life. His answer: Morgan Freeman. And once you see the movie, you’ll agree, it’s as if Freeman had been born to play this role.

Boy meets girl
Boy falls in love
Girl doesn’t

First-time filmmaker Marc Webb brings us an unparalleled postmodern love story. (500) Days of Summer is a story about love in real life. I saw this movie over Thanksgiving, and I fell in love. The split screens are brilliant, the team up is perfection, and as for the soundtrack… well that deserves it’s own post. Webb lets you see the City of Angels in a whole new way. Zooey Deschanel is one of my favorite actresses, and I think this is one of her best movies. This is a must see in my opinion. Personally, I’m looking forward to (500) Days of Autumn.

In one scene, Tom questions Summer about her previous relationships, and when asked what had went wrong, she replies, “What always happens. Life.”

Check out the videos after the jump.

Oprah even got in on the movie too…