Screenplay data
Newly elected President Nelson Mandela attempts to unite post-apartheid South Africa by rallying support for the historically divisive Springboks rugby team. Despite initial resistance from both black and white citizens, Mandela convinces the National Sports Council to retain the Springbok emblem and inspires captain Francois Pienaar to lead the team to victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Pienaar and the Springboks engage in community outreach and intense training, slowly earning the nation's respect as they advance to the World Cup final against the New Zealand All Blacks. The Springboks ultimately win the championship in a hard-fought match, uniting the country in celebration and fulfilling Mandela's vision of reconciliation.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Nelson Mandela is released and takes office, striving to unite a divided South Africa through the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Open full beat sheetNelson Rolihlahla Mandela is listed as President of South Africa. 76-year-old leader with immense physical vigor, disciplined, compassionate, and a visionary for reconciliation. In the parsed data, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is connected to 59 scenes, 71 dialogue lines, 71 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
59 scenes / 71 dialogue linesLinga Moonsamy is listed as Bodyguard. Big, scowling, former 'terrorist', loyal to Mandela. In the parsed data, Linga Moonsamy is connected to 38 scenes, 22 dialogue lines, 22 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
38 scenes / 22 dialogue linesJason Tshabalala is listed as Head of Presidential Security. Tense, suspicious, former 'terrorist', deeply devoted to Mandela. In the parsed data, Jason Tshabalala is connected to 34 scenes, 30 dialogue lines, 30 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
34 scenes / 30 dialogue linesFrancois Pienaar is listed as Captain of the Springboks. 27-year-old rugby player, physically powerful, driven, and a natural leader. In the parsed data, Francois Pienaar is connected to 32 scenes, 24 dialogue lines, 24 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.
32 scenes / 24 dialogue linesHendrick Booyens is listed as Presidential Bodyguard (Special Branch). Large, stern, former apartheid-era police officer. In the parsed data, Hendrick Booyens is connected to 29 scenes, 13 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
29 scenes / 13 dialogue linesBarbara Masekela is listed as Chief of Staff. Pragmatic, professional, concerned with political optics. In the parsed data, Barbara Masekela is connected to 18 scenes, 19 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
18 scenes / 19 dialogue linesEtienne Van Eck is listed as Presidential Bodyguard (Special Branch). Former apartheid-era police officer, disciplined, professional. In the parsed data, Etienne Van Eck is connected to 17 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
17 scenes / 11 dialogue linesNerine is listed as Francois Pienaar's Fiancee. Supportive, observant. In the parsed data, Nerine is connected to 10 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 70.
10 scenes / 4 dialogue linesChester Williams is listed as Springbok Rugby Player. Reserved, private, skilled wing, the only non-white player on the team. In the parsed data, Chester Williams is connected to 7 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 61.
7 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBoland Botha is listed as Rugby Commentator. Ex-Springbok player, cynical, pessimistic. In the parsed data, Boland Botha is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 21.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesWhite students play rugby while black and colored boys play soccer nearby; Mandela's release is announced on the radio.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaMandela wakes up at 5:00 AM and makes his bed with military precision.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaMandela goes for his morning walk, guarded by Jason and Linga.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga MoonsamyMandela and his bodyguards encounter a delivery van while walking.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga MoonsamyFrancois Pienaar's father expresses fear about the new political climate.
Francois PienaarMandela addresses the remaining staff at the Union Building, asking them to stay.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara MasekelaSpecial Branch officers arrive to join the security team, causing tension.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensMandela encourages Jason to practice forgiveness, which Jason struggles to accept. Barbara observes the interaction.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Barbara MasekelaJason receives the schedule from Jessie and prepares himself to face the security team.
Jason TshabalalaJason presents the schedule to the new bodyguards, causing tension.
Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensLinga confronts Jason about trusting the new bodyguards.
Jason Tshabalala, Linga MoonsamyThe team reviews the schedule and discusses the upcoming rugby match.
Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensThe rugby match begins with a hostile crowd.
Francois PienaarJason briefs the security team before Mandela enters the field.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van EckMandela greets the players and interacts with the crowd, narrowly avoiding an object thrown at him.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Jason Tshabalala, Etienne Van EckJason and Etienne discuss the security incident.
Jason Tshabalala, Etienne Van EckThe rugby match progresses with the Lions dominating the Springboks.
Francois PienaarMandela watches the game and discusses political matters with Barbara and the Rugby President.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Barbara MasekelaThe Minister of Sport informs Mandela of the movement to drop the Springbok emblem.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaThe Springboks deal with their defeat.
Francois Pienaar, Chester WilliamsBoland Botha provides a harsh commentary on the match.
Boland BothaThe Rugby President watches the commentary and considers firing staff.
Pienaar and Nerine discuss the public criticism.
Francois Pienaar, NerineMandela reflects on the day and prepares for bed.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaChildren receive clothes at a church; one boy refuses a Springbok jersey.
The National Sports Council votes on eliminating the Springbok emblem.
Mandela reacts with anger to the news that the NSC has voted to eliminate the Springboks.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaJason orders the bodyguard units to the cars amidst high tension.
Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensThe security detail scrambles into their vehicles.
Jason Tshabalala, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensMandela marches to the exit, ignoring Barbara's concerns about political optics.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara MasekelaMandela and Barbara prepare to depart; Barbara warns him against autocratic leadership.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Barbara MasekelaMandela and Barbara discuss the political fallout of his decision regarding the Springboks.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara MasekelaThe convoy speeds away from Pretoria.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaThe NSC Firebrand concludes the conference with applause.
Mandela arrives at the conference hall.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara Masekela, Hendrick BooyensMandela interrupts the anthem to address the delegates.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara Masekela, Hendrick BooyensMandela's convoy departs the conference center.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaMandela and Barbara discuss the narrow victory of his proposal.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara MasekelaFrancois Pienaar rallies his team after a defeat.
Francois PienaarJason and the security units discuss the upcoming overseas trip.
Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensMandela addresses the UN.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Linga Moonsamy, Hendrick BooyensMandela addresses diplomats at the White House.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensMandela meets with Queen Elizabeth.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaThe Pienaar family watches news of Mandela's trip.
Francois Pienaar, NerineMandela returns home from his trip.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Hendrick BooyensHendrick is driven home.
Hendrick BooyensMandela wakes up early.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaMandela goes for a walk with his bodyguards.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Linga Moonsamy, Hendrick BooyensMandela prepares for the day.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaBarbara returns Mandela's uncollected paychecks.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Barbara MasekelaPienaar receives a call inviting him to tea with Mandela.
Francois Pienaar, NerineNerine drives to the Union Buildings.
NerinePienaar arrives at the Union Buildings for his meeting with Mandela, feeling nervous.
Francois Pienaar, NerineThe security team discusses Pienaar's arrival and who will escort him.
Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Etienne Van Eck, Hendrick BooyensHendrick escorts Pienaar to Mandela's office and shares his perspective on Mandela.
Francois Pienaar, Hendrick BooyensPienaar waits for his meeting and has a brief exchange with Hendrick.
Francois Pienaar, Hendrick BooyensMandela and Pienaar meet, discuss leadership, and share tea.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Francois PienaarMandela has a tense conversation with his daughter Zindzi regarding his meeting with Pienaar.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaThe Rugby President informs the team they must conduct coaching clinics in townships.
Francois Pienaar, Chester WilliamsMandela watches news of a bombing in the US and discusses the necessity of forgiveness with his security team.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara MasekelaSpringbok management and players visit a township to host a rugby clinic for local children.
Francois Pienaar, Chester WilliamsMandela shows his cabinet footage of the Springbok rugby clinic.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaMr. Pienaar expresses skepticism about the rugby clinic's impact.
Mandela studies the Springbok team and prepares for the upcoming match.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Barbara MasekelaPienaar attempts to get the team to learn the national anthem.
Francois PienaarMandela visits the Springboks at their training base to wish them luck.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Jason Tshabalala, Linga MoonsamyMandela greets the Springbok team, learns of Chester's injury, and receives a green cap from the team.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Francois Pienaar, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Chester WilliamsJason checks security preparations.
Jason TshabalalaMandela stays up late reading and watching rugby.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaPienaar reads the poem 'Invictus' and receives a visit from Nerine.
Francois Pienaar, NerineThe World Cup match begins.
Chester WilliamsMandela watches the match while Linga learns the rules.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Hendrick BooyensMandela celebrates at a party.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaPienaar takes the team to visit Robben Island.
Francois Pienaar, NerineMandela collapses.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Linga Moonsamy, Hendrick BooyensThe doctor orders complete rest for Mandela.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Jason Tshabalala, Linga Moonsamy, Barbara Masekela, Etienne Van EckMandela tracks the World Cup progress.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Barbara MasekelaMandela attends a high-level meeting while distracted by thoughts of the Springboks.
Nelson Rolihlahla MandelaPienaar leads the team out into the rain.
Francois PienaarThe Springboks defend against a French assault in a muddy game.
Let me tell you why ... on Robben Island, in Pollsmoor Prison, my jailers were all Afrikaners. For twenty seven years, I studied them. I learned their language, I read their history, I read their poetry. I had to know my enemy, in order to prevail against him. And we prevailed, did we not? All of us here ... we prevailed.
Think about it, man. He's separated from his wife. His children ... how often do you see them here? He's not a saint, okay. He's a man, with a man's problems -- and he doesn't need us reminding him about them.
I'm sorry, Madiba, but we've got problems everywhere we look. Housing, food, jobs, crime, our currency. You can't keep interrupting affairs of state to placate a minority.
All it takes is one idiot trying to make a statement, or one crazy fool who thinks he hears god speaking to him over the radio. But not today. Not on our watch. Not today.
Whether we like it or not, we're more than just a rugby team. We're ... we're ambassadors inside our own country. And we might as well get used to it.
Madiba ... the people want this. They hate the Springboks. They don't want to be represented by a team they cheered against all their lives.
Brothers, sisters, comrades, I am here because I feel strongly that you made a decision today without sufficient information or foresight.
But, I must. This minority still controls the army, the police, and the economy. Without them, we cannot address the other problems.
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