Clint Eastwood has admitted that he didn't really understand Nelson Mandela until he visited his prison cell.
The Oscar winning filmmaker's new movie Invictus follows Mandela's release for prison before going on to team up with the South African rugby team to try and bring peace to his country.
Speaking to Contactmusic Eastwood said: "It was when I visited his former cell at Robben Island that I realised what caliber this man is.
"A little cell without a toilet and at daylight hammering stones or working in the mines.
"And what does this man do after nearly 28 years in jail? He comes out and talks about forgiveness.
"He is without a doubt one of the most incredible people on this earth."
Invictus stars Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, which have both picked up Oscar nominations for their performances.
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