A film that would have been better had it been crappier. It's made with taste, care and intelligence but to be honest you don't always need those things in an inspirational sports movie - you want plenty of action and for the emotions to be stirred. Clint Eastwood presumably stayed away from cliches like a commentator giving exposition for the games, and supportive women subplots and comic relief players because they were cliches (and the fact it's based on a true story) - but these things are missed.
It takes too long and is too lethargic - why that scene of Nelson Mandela dancing and the South African players drinking beer the night before the game? There are too many scenes involving the bodyguards which repeat the same story beat.
Morgan Freeman is excellent though as Mandela and Matt Damon very convincing as the South African captain - it's impossible to imagine what other stars could have played these parts. And there are some great moments, like the black children mobbing the one black player and the finale.
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