The Power of One

PG-13

1992

1h 51m

Drama

List

39%

Tomatometer

18 Reviews

87%

Audience Score

5,000+ Ratings

It's the 1930s, and as the people he cares for die or leave his village, young South African P.K. bonds with much older Doc (Armin Mueller-Stahl). A foreigner, Doc is detained when World War II starts, but from his prison cell he encourages P.K. to learn boxing. As he travels to different bouts, the adult P.K. (Stephen Dorff) forges relationships that anger the state's apartheid government -- but his reunion with his onetime schoolyard nemesis (Daniel Craig) may offer his biggest challenge yet.

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Variety Staff

Variety

Beautifully produced and gorgeously shot on location in Zimbabwe by lenser Dean Semler, picture has depth, dimension and first-rate casting.

May 20, 2008

Full Review

Derek Adams

Time Out

Avildsen draws good performances from the three actors who play PK, as well as from the ever-reliable Freeman and Mller-Stahl, but subtlety is abandoned when he focuses on the ring and teen romance.

Feb 9, 2006

Full Review

Janet Maslin

New York Times

The film's facile treatment of racial issues may be enough to bring back the practice of throwing tomatoes at the screen.

Rated: 1.5/5

Aug 30, 2004

Full Review

Michael Szymanski

International Press Academy

Rated: 4/5

Sep 23, 2005

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jun 30, 2005

Full Review

Daniel M. Kimmel

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Rated: 3/5

Jul 8, 2004

Full Review

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Jelisije J

A movie with a strong inspirational message with a genuine story of the history of south Africa. The rewatch ability and entertainment value of this film however is extremely low in my book. A one and done deal.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/10/24

Full Review

Annee M

I saw this film 32 years ago and I still remember the powerful message that one person can make a difference and Ive lived my life believing this

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/24

Full Review

Myrna S

A powerful movie. The three actors that played PK were outstanding! You experience a ton of emotions, I truly believe this is one of Morgan’s finest performances

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/03/24

Full Review

Jean C

I don't understand the low score from critics. Sure, it's not as good as the book, but it's a really well told story. Compelling performances and themes that resonate today, even if a little dated.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/13/24

Full Review

Phil C

Great story based on a great book.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/24

Full Review

Leanne H

This is one of my favourite movies of all time. Morgan Freeman is brilliant!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/05/23

Full Review

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John G. Avildsen

Director

Stephen Dorff

P.K. Age 18

Armin Mueller-Stahl

Doc

Morgan Freeman

Geel Piet

John Gielgud

St. John

Maria Marais

Actor

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Synopsis

It's the 1930s, and as the people he cares for die or leave his village, young South African P.K. bonds with much older Doc (Armin Mueller-Stahl). A foreigner, Doc is detained when World War II starts, but from his prison cell he encourages P.K. to learn boxing. As he travels to different bouts, the adult P.K. (Stephen Dorff) forges relationships that anger the state's apartheid government -- but his reunion with his onetime schoolyard nemesis (Daniel Craig) may offer his biggest challenge yet.

Director: John G. Avildsen
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.7M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Surround

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