ON FEBRUARY 11, 1990, when Nelson Mandela walked free from Robben Island after more than a quarter of a century in his eight feet by eight feet cell, he discovered a country divided by apartheid.

His release lit the touch paper on civil unrest as he worked together with President de Klerk to end apartheid and begin the difficult healing process.

Clint Eastwood’s majestic new film chronicles this volatile period in South Africa’s history, and the true story of President Mandela’s dogged quest to reunite his fractured country through the game of rugby.

Adapted by screenwriter Anthony Peckham from the book, Playing The Enemy, by John Carlin, Invictus is another superb humanist drama from one of the greatest living directors.

Bone-crunching sequences on the rugby field are constructed with attention to detail, and edited at a brisk pace to sustain dramatic momentum.

These technically demanding scenes contrast with intimate exchanges between the President, his advisors and bodyguards that reveal the deep scars in the proud, beating heart of a nation.

President Mandela (Freeman) despairs at the divisions in his country, as he discovers that only white South Africans cheer on the Springboks.

With one year until his nation hosts the Rugby World Cup, Mandela attempts to heal the emotional rift and inspire captain Francois Pienaar (Damon) and his men to victory.

Mandela’s family and political allies, advise him against this course of action, believing that social concerns are much more pressing than the sports tournament.