In the Clint Eastwood film, Invictus, unity can be defined as patriotism, love and loyalty to country, as manifested in a sense of social inclusion and harmony.Say say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Furthermore, it is the feeling of joy and satisfaction in reaction to a victory, sporting or otherwise. After the film's triumphant conclusion, viewers are pushed to understand the long-gone days of tension and hostility and that a shared sense of joy and pride has taken its place. As the plot unfolds, Eastwood uses the portrayal of minor characters to demonstrate that national unity and celebration comes from an individual's decision to forgive and forget. Furthermore, as the Springboks slowly improve their negative image, their path to victory and victory in the Rugby Championship also becomes a reason for South Africans to come together to celebrate with pride. Finally, in the portrayal of the persuasive and venerable political leader Nelson Mandela, viewers see that his ideas, words and actions played a vital role in creating a sense of unity in all South Africans. Eastwood reveals that South Africans ultimately experience a sense of satisfaction and joy through letting go of the past. This is clearly communicated through the linear progression of the film, from riots and racial segregation, to unity in celebrating the Springbok victory. Notably, in the film's early opening scenes, Eastwood constructs a scene of the sun rising over dilapidated makeshift huts in poor townships. This is symbolically representative of the renewed hope that South Africa has in conjunction with Mandela's ascension to the presidency. This shot also foreshadows the dawn of a new day and the closing of a very dark chapter in South African history. Where deep-rooted conflict and social segregation once prevailed, the situation was steadily improving in the post-apartheid era. To dramatize this, Eastwood uses the minor character, Sipho, to establish how striving for forgiveness leads to individual satisfaction and joy. When viewers of the film first see Sipho, he is portrayed as an orphan. By using this scene, Eastwood alludes to his traumatic and tragic past, allowing discerning audience members to make the connection to the fact that his parents were likely killed as a direct result of apartheid violence. As if to add insult to injury, Sipho depends on the church's charity fund for warm clothes. When the camera zooms in on his disappointed face as the white Afrikaner shows off a Springbok training shirt, viewers of the film fully understand the extent of social segregation. In Sipho's actions, turning and quickly running away from the shirt, it is abundantly clear that the Springboks and rugby are the last thing black South Africans want to be associated with. Yet, by the end of the film, thanks to the combination of the Herculean efforts of both Pienaar and Mandela, social division loses ground to social cohesion. Once again Eastwood uses Sipho to represent this stark contrast. Sipho is pictured trying to eavesdrop on the broadcast of the Rugby World Cup final from outside the arena on the police radio. When the Springboks win, you can see him celebrating with enthusiasm: the team and the sport are no longer a source of tension and friction. Furthermore, as a symbolic representative of all black children, Eastwood also uses it to comment on the fact that children like Sipho are the hope for the future.