Invictus
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon
On national release from Jan 28 (Roadshow)

The idea of linking the launch of South Africa’s post-apartheid “rainbow nation” with the Rugby World 1995 has special resonance with New Zealanders.

Yet this film may leave them wondering. For a start, the alleged food poisoning of the All Blacks is missing. The All Blacks themselves are depicted as little more than Jonah Lomu and some Sunday afternoon players.

Two big Hollywood productions with New Zealand links have turned in disappointing opening box office figures on limited weekend releases in the US – but a third blockbuster is waiting in the wings.

Warner Bros' Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, collected $US9 million as it was positioned for strong word-of-mouth endorsement ahead of the awards nomination season.