The movie Power of One, directed by John G. Avildsen, is a powerful and stirring drama set in South Africa during the 1930s and 1940s. The film follows the life of a young British boy named Peter Philip Kenneth Keith (PP), who is sent to live with his grandparents in South Africa after his parents' divorce. As a child, PP gets ridiculed by his schoolmates and is beaten up by the school bully for being the only English boy in an Afrikaans school. After the death of his grandfather, he develops a close relationship with his nanny, Mary, who teaches him the ways of the African tribes and songs. She also introduces him to the tales of the mythical Rainmaker, who could bring rain to the drought-stricken lands. This awakening to African culture and its people's plight leads him to stand up against the oppression and segregation of South Africa's ruling white minority.
The film follows PP as he matured into a teenager, played by Stephen Dorff, and his journey to becoming a boxing champion. PP's love for boxing is born out of his admiration for a German musician named Doc played by Armin Mueller-Stahl. Through Doc, PP learns the discipline, mental toughness, and self-confidence needed to become a champion. He also teaches him about the power of one, one person can make a difference, no matter how small.
As a young man, PP joins the African National Congress (ANC), a political party dedicated to ending apartheid in South Africa. Through his boxing, he gains the support of the African people who see him as a symbol of hope and progress. However, when PP's mentor is arrested and beaten to death by the secret police, he sets out on a mission to avenge his death.
PP becomes the Rainmaker, inspiring the downtrodden and oppressed African people, to believe in themselves and their ability to change their destiny. He becomes their symbol of hope, and even in the face of overwhelming odds, they continue to fight for their freedom.
The film was adapted from the book by Bryce Courtenay, and the screenplay was written by Courtenay and Robert Mark Kamen. The film features an all-star cast, including Morgan Freeman as Geel Piet, Danny Glover as Doc, and a young Daniel Craig as Sergeant Botha.
The film boasts breathtaking cinematography that captures South Africa's immense beauty, from its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant culture and rich history. The film's score, composed by Hans Zimmer, further enhances the emotional depth and power of the film.
Power of One is an inspiring and uplifting film about the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a tale of courage, hope, and resilience that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The film's message of the power of one person to make a difference is especially poignant in today's world, where we can all play a part in building a better future for ourselves and others. It is a timeless classic that deserves its place among the greatest films of all time.
