July 31, 2010

Invictus

This past week has just plain sucked. I haven't been up to par and have dragged around the house feeling flu-ish, achy and exhausted for 5 days now. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm getting plenty of rest, reading and watching movies.
Today we rented "Invictus" and it was a fantastic movie. This is the true story of Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) as he was released from prison after 27 years, then became South Africa's President in their first truly democratic election. In his efforts to unite the country, he enlists the captain of the rugby team (Matt Damon) to go all out and take the team to the World Cup in 1995.
I'm not much for politics or sporting events, but this movie had me in goose bumps and tears. During his time in prison, Mandela was fond of reading and quoting the poem "Invictus," written by William Ernest Henley (1849-1903) who suffered from tuberculosis of the bone.
Invictus
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.
This movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, was beautifully done, a story well told and so worth watching. I'd highly recommend it!
And now I'm going to go lay down again ...



8 comments:

Stacey @ Chasing Cloud 9 said...

Feel better soon!

Tightwad Mom said...

That's crappy that your sick! I hope you start feeling better soon!

Cheeseboy said...

I absolutely agree. And I thought Matt Damon was superb. He continues to amaze me as an actor.

kayembee said...

Wrap your shawl around you and pretend it's a hug from your little sister. Praying you feel better soon. Love, hugs and chicken soup...

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Hope your feeling better. I haven't seen this movie but Clint Eastwood does awesome movies.

Baby Sister said...

I love that poem!! And I've been wanting to see that movie for ages. I'm glad to know it's as good as it looks.
I hope you feel better!!

Anonymous said...

We just watched that this weekend! I LOVED it! And happy anniversary!!! 25 years is amazing!!!

Duchess said...

Feel better friend!