Forgiveness and Reconciliation

I saw the movie "Invictus" a couple of days ago. The film is a true story of how Nelson Mandela tried to unite South Africa by working with the Captain of South Africa's Rugby Team. Mandela understood that Rugby is hated by the Black South Africans who saw it as a symbol of Oppression and violence. But at the same time Mandela, being a man who was imprisoned in a tiny cell for 27 years also foresaw and believed that winning the Rugby world cup could be the thing that the country needed to feel unified. The overwhelming theme of the movie is Reconciliation and forgiveness and in turn hoped to foster a new "Rainbow Nation".



I was very impressed with a scene in the first 30 mins of the of the film when Mandela's Head of Security is not too happy with the white bodyguards being added to his detail, and that is when Mandela's talks about Forgiveness. This particular statement that he says made a very deep impact on me.



"Yes I know, forgiveness starts here. Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon."



Invictus (latin for unconquered) is at its very essence a classically Hollywood, inspirational underdog sports movie - but very well executed by Clint Eastwood. I enjoyed the movie immensely. I think Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon acted extremely well. Clint Eastwood has set up the context superbly and the movie has been woven well enough for the audience to realize what the winning of the Rugby World cup means to the entire nation of South Africa.



Even though the movie has it's share of cliches, it offered me an insight into the power of forgiveness and how it can change the hearts and attitudes of others. I was inspired and moved by this movie, as well as educated. I hope you can see the movie and share your thoughts as well.



I wanted so share the Poem by English Poet William Henley that President Mandela quotes in the movie. I was very very impressed by that poem. Here is the entire poem, but the four lines are the ones that made an such impact on me, and were repeated throughout the movie.



I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.



I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.



It was just awesome and very inspiring. "I am the captain of my soul".



Here is the entire poem,



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.