Read our Review of Invictus
(being interviewed by a sportscaster) "People don't realize that I played rugby myself. It is a very rough game, almost as rough as politics." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(at his inauguration ) "Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the talk of the world." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(His first day as President addressing his staff) "Some of you may know who I am. I could not help noticing the empty offices as I came to work this morning and all of the packing up. Now, of course, if you want to leave, that is your right. And if in your heart you feel that you can not work with your new government then it is better if you do leave right away. But if you are packing up because you fear that your language or the color of your skin or who you worked for before disqualifies you from working here, I am here to tell you to have no such fear. What is today is today, the past is the past -- we look to the future now." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(convincing his chief bodyguard to work with the white security personnel) "Forgiveness never hurts the soul. It removes fear, that is why it is such a powerful weapon." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(being told that he is wrong to support the rugby team because the people do not like them) "Yes, I know, but in this instance the people are wrong. As their elected leader it is my job to show them that." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(being told that he is risking his political capital and future as a leader if he supports the Springboks) "The day that I am afraid to do that is the day I am no longer fit to lead." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(pleading with the black sports committee to keep the Springboks) "This is no time for petty revenge. This is the time to build our nation using every single brick available to us even if that brick comes wrapped in green and gold." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(being counseled against placating the white minority) "That minority still controls the police, the army and the big economy. If we loose them, we cannot address the other issues. If we take away what they cherish, the Springboks, their national anthem -- we just reinforce the cycle of fear between us. I will do what I must to break that cycle or it will destroy us." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(his daughter tells him that she did not like seeing him shake hands with the white Francois) "You criticize without understanding. You seek only to address your own personal feelings. That is selfish thinking. It does not serve the nation." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(asked by a sportscaster why he used to support any team who played the Springboks) "Yes, well, obviously that is no longer true. I am 100% behind our boys. After all, if I can not change when the circumstances demand it, how can I expect others to?" - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(reflecting on his years in prison) "I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(his advisor tells him that the Springboks have met all expectations both on and off the field) "That's not enough. Not now. Not so close. This country is hungry for greatness." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus
(one of his aides tells him that according to the experts their rugby team won't reach the quarter-finals) "According to the experts, you and I should still be in jail." - Nelson Mandela, Invictus