Change Your Image
tucsonkent
Reviews
Invictus (2009)
A superb movie about the power of personal character to influence a nation
Don't miss this inspiring movie! The acting is superb. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon become their characters. The attitudes of Damon's family help to exemplify the resistance to change. The attitudes of the South African blacks toward the mostly white South African rugby team reflects the deeply held anger of people who have suffered repression for generations.
The movie is a testament to the power of courageous personal character, when it is grounded in respectfulness and pragmatism, to inspire others to change attitudes that are deeply held.
The use of rugby as a tool to effect change is most appropriate. Clearly, everyone in the country cares deeply about the sport. The sport itself is quite brutal. Clint Eastwood does a superb job of conveying this element of the sport, as well as the importance of attitude in influencing a team's performance.
The Invention of Lying (2009)
Insights into human nature
I found the movie to be mind stretching. Gee, the movie may exaggerate human suggestibility, but we are quite susceptible to what others tell us--especially if we want to believe what they say. Our susceptibility also results from our prior cultural experiences. Some cultures are very authoritarian. Thus, people from those backgrounds are more susceptible than those people from cultures that encourage questioning.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the recognition of the character that his power to influence others could be used selfishly or to help others. A related aspect of the influencing is the unpredictability of the effects that the influence will have on others--one might call these effects "collateral damage, complications, and benefits". I relate these interventions to all human interactions--including interventions into the affairs of other countries.