Product ReviewsThe Power of One (DVD, 1999)

Dramatic and consistent with goals of movie.

As a motion picture, it was very well acted and rendered. Color, photography and music were excellent. Reality and goals of the movie were very political and designed to produce certain reactions which were invalid, not in impression of the past, but in the forwarding of certain political goals in this country as well as elsewhere.Read full review...

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If you loved the book, stay away from the movie! It will only anger you.

OK, first a disclaimer against the seller: The seller was wonderful. I read and loved the book. This movie is in no way relevant to the book. They changed so many elements of the book to make is sickly sweet. But that could be accepted if it was the vision of the director to make the movie that way, sort of. However, they changed things in such an arbitrary way that you can't walk away with anything other than anger. For example: they changed the name of the rooster. Why?! It's ludicrous. And eventually the anger boils down to the author allowing this to be destroyed in such an arbitrary way. That's the word, arbitrary. Someone just walked through the pages and just crossed things out and replaced them with random changes. No rhyme, no reason other than maybe to make the story "cute". But why change some names and not others? It is so infuriating. We managed a bit over half an hour and had to destroy the disc so that no one would think that the book was so horrible. Can't donate it to charity, can't throw it out, have to snap it in half. Do yourself a favor and just get the audiobook from Audible. The reader is wonderful, the book is excellent, and heck, there's even a sequel/continuation of the story. Please stay away from the movie. No one could possibly find any redeeming value.Read full review...

Powerful, Inspiring, & Historically Accurate

I really love this movie as it is inspiring despite the graphic brutality depicted (historically accurate for 1930's South Africa). In short, it's a worthy, but difficult movie. The story line follows the life of PK, a young English boy growing up in South Africa, who learns life lessons and values from various people who touch his life. It's those values that he has the courage to follow, despite the brutality and hardships that I find inspiring.

The cinematography of Africa -- wildlife, landscape, city buildings, and the township shanties give a true sense of South Africa (per a friend of mine who grew up there during the same time as when the movie was set).

I also simply love the music -- done by Hans Zimmer and Lebo M (also collaborated with Elton John on all of the Disney Lion King movie and theater music). I've owned the soundtrack from this movie for many years, then finally decided to buy the film DVD. I had forgotten about the wildlife scenes and some details that were important to the overall story.

This is a movie that I need to be properly in the mood for -- to be able to handle the difficult aspects (similar to The Green Mile, The Shankshaw Redemption). This movie definitely is NOT escapism fluff.Read full review...

The movie portrays Africa in a troubled time

I liked the scenes showing a family trying to keep their political beliefs intact during a time of opposition. I loved Morgan Freeman as the prisoner who was willing to show his wisdom and skills to a young man.The older actors(the teacher and the professor), showed him how to survive in a world that was not perfect. PK(young man) realized he could help others even when his life was in danger. An example- teaching English to the African people was prohibited in this movie. He was also willing to go against a father's wishes for the girl he loved, against all odds. I bought it for the dramatic scenes of struggle and life. ATTN PARENTS: This is a movie children should not see, because of the violent scenes in it.Read full review...

Refers to the power we all have to touch each person we encounter.

one of my all time favorite movies. Good cast, great music, authentic story.

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Life is not lived as a solitary walk

Since it's release on VHS in the early 90's, this movie has remained at the front of my mind in the short list of the best movies I have ever seen. The story, casting and life messages are seldom to be matched in other movies. The historical background is very informative and the message of hope and love is extraordinary. The main character faces trials that are daunting, but because of the presence of some loving adults in his life and his desire for justice he affects the lives of so many. Don't miss the opportunity to see this movie.Read full review...

The Power of the "Power of One"

I absolutely loved this movie. My husband is known for bringing obscure titles home from the video store. About 15 yrs ago he showed up with this one, I had never heard of it. Thought I'd give it a go and was struck by the profound message in it. Recently I thought it would be a great asset to our studying of Apartheid. My students loved it and were able to understand and relate to the young boys' stuggles in his life. I highly recommend this film. I find it very moving and I could watch it over and over again. One of my students commented on the look on my face during the middle of the film, as everytime I view it there is a permanent smile on my face. The film is inspiring and at times heart wrenching but truly beautiful.Read full review...

A keeper!

Although it does not have the same power and majesty of the novel by Bryce Courtenay, this movie still grabs the viewer's attention. The performances by Morgan Freeman and Steven Dorff are excellent, as is the music. The cinematography brings the movie to a whole other level as well, bringing South Africa to vivid life onscreen. If it weren't for the huge differences between the novel and the screenplay, this would be a masterpiece. BUY IT!!!! But make sure to read the book as well!Read full review...

good film

I really love this movie as it is inspiring despite the graphic brutality depicted (historically accurate for 1930's South Africa). In short, it's a worthy, but difficult movie. The story line follows the life of PK, a young English boy growing up in South Africa, who learns life lessons and values from various people who touch his life. It's those values that he has the courage to follow, despite the brutality and hardships that I find inspiring.Read full review...

Power of one

This movie has a very good story and acting is superb,

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