Invictus: what are the anachronisms present in this film?

Released in cinemas in 2009, the cult movie Invictusworn by Morgan Freeman and Matt Damonwill be rebroadcast on Saturday March 12, 2022, from 4:10 p.m. on RTL9. Directed by Clint Eastwoodthis feature film retraces the events taking place in South Africa before and during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. At the time, Nelson Mandela, played on screen by Morgan Freeman, begins his term as the country’s president. Contrary to the opinion of his supporters, he senses in the sporting event the possibility of creating a feeling of national unity behind the Springbok team, which was the symbol of South African whites for several decadesbut also of their domination and apartheid.

On his side, Matt Damon plays the role of Francois Pienaar, who is the captain of the South African national rugby team. If this feature film has received many rave reviews, which earned Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon Oscar nominations for their respective performances, Invictus however, contains many inconsistencies and anachronisms. For example, before the start of the competition, the South African team is presented as bad. However, if the Springboks lose by the score of 32 to 15 on June 4, 1994 against England in Pretoria, they won 27-9 a week later in Cape Town during the second test match.

Invictus: some historical figures occulted by Clint Eastwood

Moreover, in the minutes before the final, Nelson Mandela’s bodyguards are surprised by the low-altitude overflight of Ellis Park by a SAA B747, and start to panic. In reality, this maneuver was performed at higher altitude and was planned. During this famous final, we see a disputed throw-in and the New Zealand jumper is lifted, which allows him to ensure his catch of the ball. However, at the time, it was forbidden to lift jumpers in touch. Furthermore, the roles of Morné du Plessis and Kitch Christie in the victory of the Springboks are completely obscured in the film.

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