Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon star in this Clint Eastwood-directed film, which tells the inspiring true story of Nelson Mandela's efforts to unite his country while President of South Africa in the mid-1990's. Following the apartheid era, Mandela is faced with a society ruled by racial tension and prejudice. He embarks on a series of initiatives that he hopes will unite the citizens of his country. One of these involves joining forces with François Pienaar (Damon), Captain of South Africa's rugby team. The predominantly black citizenry had previously rooted against their home Springboks, which is comprised of nearly all white men. By allying himself with Pienaar, Mandela hopes the country will come together and support their team as they ready to compete for the 1995 World Cup.