Nelson Mandela/RSA Rugby Biopic

Could there finally be a rugby-based movie worth watching? Clint Eastwood is directing 'Invictus' (formerly 'The Human Factor') — featuring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon — that tells the story of Nelson Mandela, Francois Pienaar, and South Africa's underdog run at the 1995 RWC.

Here's the plot synopsis from the studio:

The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa's rugby team to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.

I am not a huge biopic fan (especially when the characters are still alive) but the heady brew of rugby, Eastwood, Freeman, and Damon all the sudden put this movie on my must-see list for this fall/winter. The movie is set for a December 11 release and I am sure that we will organize a team event to check it out.

In the meantime, check out some pictures from the shoot and a delightfully cheesy concept poster that seems to be based on the artwork from such Eastwood classics as 'Every Which Way But Loose' and/or 'Where Eagles Dare':

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