Extraordinary investments through petrodollars in the clubs, leagues where the teams act as extensions of the conglomerate (franchises) rather than as representatives of a certain city, market analysis and even statistical studies to optimize performance and play. The sports industry has changed enormously since the days when workers in an industrial city they got together to kick a ball and created a sense of community.
One team, one nation
Those humble and even rugged origins reflect the ability of sport to establish bonds between close individuals, create a common culture and strengthen national identity. It’s something that’s at the core of one of Clint Eastwood’s most effective and most successful (among his ten highest grossing films) entitled ‘Invictus’.
Based on the true story of political leader Nelson Mandela and the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, the film comes to HBO Max to be the sensation of many users’ movie afternoons. It has it all, since it is a dramatic film with an exciting story and done in the most classic way without bothering anyone. As expected and politically correct as devilishly effective in everything it sets out to do.
Mandela becomes president of the African nation after spending years in prison for defending civil rights. Already in power, he did not take long to decree the end of Apartheid, the division between the black and white citizens of the country. Racial tensions will not be so easy to resolve, but the president sees the rugby world cup as a opportunity for the country to make common cause and connect with each other.
It’s not something that necessarily solves racism, but it does prevent it from escalating to dangerous extremes. Despite the fact that, rationally, it may be absurd to get so emotionally involved in a game that others are playing, the power it has to captivate and forge the identity of a close community is undeniable. Eastwood manages to touch that from the story, although he never stops doing a pure sports movie.
The acting combo of Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon as the team captain give the necessary strength so that the story moves and is easy to empathize. Eastwood returns to make another great example of Fordian classicism, never overcomplicating himself in the realization but touching the necessary emotional points. It may not be one of his most complete or exciting films, but it is undeniable that it works enormously in his use of conventional springs. And that’s why it was a success then.
In Espinof | The best sports movies ever