The Power of One

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The Power of One

PG-13

Released Mar 27, 1992

1h 51m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

35%

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17 Reviews

87%

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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.

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

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jun 30, 2005

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Daniel M. Kimmel

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Rated: 3/5

Jul 8, 2004

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Randy Shulman

Metro Weekly (Washington, DC)

Rated: 4/5

Jan 29, 2004

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J N

For an early 90s film, it has its flaws here and there, but overall its quality storytelling with decent acting.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/10/25

Full Review

Dylan C

great movie, would highly recommend

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/04/24

Full Review

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

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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

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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

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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

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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
Producer: Arnon Milchan
Screenwriter: Robert Mark Kamen
Production Co: New Regency Productions, Canal+, Village Roadshow Pictures, Alcor Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 27, 1992, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.7M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Surround

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