Customer Reviews

Invictus: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

first of all the movie-a true recital of events that shape a nation and the spirit of that nation(South Africa) and the world in the reuniting of a people estranged by Apartaid, is inspirational and emotional to a degree seldom seen in today's moviei offerings.
The Sound tract, a mixture of South African and new songs- with 2 absolutely top contenders for the awards season-"9000 days" and "Colorblind" enhances the extraordinary experience!!
if you see the film- and you should- t;he music willl haunt and entertain you and you'll buy the soundtract.
Absolutely a MUST SEE AND MUST HEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A true life drama directed by Clint Eastwood, Invictus tells the story of the country of South Africa, and its emergence from of social, political and sporting exile imposed on it during the Apartheid years, which was lifted following the release from jail of Nelson Mandela in 1990. Specifically, it tells the parallel stories of Mandela's first years as president of the newly-democratic South Africa, and the South African rugby union team's victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which was seen as turning point in the modern history of the nation. The film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon as South African team captain François Pienaar, and is scored by Eastwood's son Kyle Eastwood and his regular musical partner Michael Stevens.

Like most of the scores for Eastwood movies, the music is low-key and understated, with emphasis on piano and soft strings; the opening "Invictus Theme" has a soft, melodious refrain for jazz trumpets, the melody of which bears a coincidental but unfortunate resemblance to the popular opera stanza `O Sole Mio'. Most cues feature subtle drums, tribal rhythms and chanting vocal effects to give a splash local color to the orchestral palette, such as in "Siyalinda", the softly appealing "Thanda", the slightly more unnerving "Enquena", and the uplifting "Ukunqoba". Probably the most conventionally attractive piece is the warm and uplifting "Madiba's Theme" (Madiba is the Zulu name for Mandela himself), which provides Mandela with a dignified, hopeful musical accompaniment which is entirely appropriate.

In addition to Eastwood and Stevens' score there are also several tracks performed by South African boy band Overtone in collaboration with vocalist Yollandi Nortjie. "9,000 Days" is based on the main Invictus theme and is wonderful; a soothing, emotional piece with a jazzy, bluesy feel and obvious literary allusions, the latter coming from its use of the original William Earnest Henley poem from which the film draws its title. The song "Colorblind" is also very good in a middle-of-the-road kind of the way, and could well receive Oscar attention. Some of the other songs highlight the group's a cappella talent and lovely vocal harmonies, notably their rendition of the South African national anthem "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika".

It's all quite pleasant really, an easy-listening album with subtle African inflections which is never going to set the world on fire, but is respectful of its subject matter and appropriate in its tone. By far the best score of young Eastwood's career to date.

The quality of the CD was fine. However, our expectations were that there would be more African music. We quickly became bored with the music.

This soundtrack has something for every taste in music!! Overtone and Yollandi Nortjie, all from Johannesburg, sing almost all their tracks 'a cappella' .... you MUST hear it to believe it!! Kyle Eastwood and Mike Stevens have created the most beautiful, melodic score I've heard. Coupled with the harmonics and vocal abilities of the seven young men from Overtone, this is a MUST HAVE. Great holiday gift!! GO OVERTONE, YOLLANDI, MIKE STEVENS AND KYLE EASTWOOD!!

Great soundtrack to a inspiring movie...Songs are wonderful and crisp to listen too. Almost makes you feel like you are sitting on the pitch!!

The soundtrack takes you back to some of the most moving scenes in the movie. Overall, it's a great way to lift your spirits on any given day.

Well, I was disappointed in this cd. After having seen the movie I thought the cd would be great to own. A classic example of the music in the movie sweeping the viewer away to a far off place. Best to just stick with the dvd. I probably will never listen to this a gain.

Enjoyed the movie Invictus and thought the soundtrack was pretty good. Decided to purchase the CD. And enjoy listening to several of the African songs. Not something you would listen to every day, but nice to have.

I love the soundtrack but, on my CD, during my favorite song, "Colorblind", there is is avery discernable "warble" during periods of heavy bass. Had I purchased the product from a store, it would be returned.

Totally love this CD. Rare to find a good cd from a music track that you don't have to watch the movie to enjoy the soundtrack. This one can stand alone as music to enjoy.