Invictus Film WorksheetPart One

Name_________________________________1. From _____ to _____, the country of South Africa was under apartheid (an Afrikaans word meaning “__________________________”, which segregated the white and black races of the country. Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1956 for inciting riots during apartheid, and arrested again in 1963 when he was convicted to a life-term of imprisonment. However, due to intense pressure, the then South Africa President F.W. de Klerk released him on February 11, __________.

2. At the beginning of the film, there are two different school teams separated by a road. What type of game is each team practicing? At the same time, what special event is happening on the road?

3. What name do many of the black South Africans use to call Nelson Mandela?

4. How does Nelson Mandela usually begin his day?

5. (Choose the best answer) Nelson Mandela, at the beginning of his first day as President, seems to be in (A) an excited, (B) an anxious, (C) a confident, (D) a relaxed mood.

6. It’s Nelson Mandela’s first day as President of South Africa. What did he say to his staff after he told his secretary to assemble all his staff workers for a special staff meeting?

7. Describe the initial relationship between Mandela’s two security teams when they first encounter each other.

8. Nelson Mandela decides to attend a rugby game. Which two teams are playing and who won the game?

9. How did the rugby stadium crowd react to Nelson Mandela when he was introduced?

10. Describe the relationship Nelson Mandela has with his daughter and other members of his family.

11. A Christian church is giving away items to some poor black kids. How does a boy react when he finds out he’s going to receive a real Springbok practice jersey (shirt)? Why did he react this way?

12. The National Sports Council (NSC) is having a meeting. In it, they are proposing that their group should take a vote. What are they voting on?

13. When Nelson Mandela hears about this vote, what’s his reaction and what does he decide to do?

14. Nelson Mandela travels to the United States. Where in the U.S. does he go to, and for what purpose? And, what other country did Nelson Mandela visit during the same trip?

15. We find out that Nelson Mandela has not been collecting his paychecks. Why hasn’t he been accepting his salary money?

16. While at home watching television with his parents and girlfriend, the captain of the Springbok rugby team, Francois Piennar, gets a telephone call. Who was calling him and what was the real reason for the call?

17. Nelson Mandela decides to meet with the captain of the Springbok rugby team, Francois Pienaar. What did they talk about,? Describe Francois’ reaction to the President’s request.