Review:
Watching the World Cup in South Africa, especially that opening bit they would play with the African choir in the background, made me downright nostalgic for this little gem of an 90’s movie called The Power of One, based on the book by Bruce Courtenay. Blessed with a fantastic score by Hans Zimmer, set against the gorgeous scenery of Africa, this is an inspirational story that takes place in apartheid Africa. Morgan Freedman plays mentor and boxing coach to a young white boy who through boxing confronts racism.
This movie isn’t obnoxious or preachy, it’s more a coming of age story in extraordinary times than a treatise on social injustice. It’s really just a nice, quiet little movie that showcases Africa, both the good and the bad.
Every now and then it’s nice to see a kids movie with something more than flash and bang.
If you want to know more about the book:
Book Jacket:
First with your head and then with your heart . . .
So says Hoppie Groenwald, boxing champion, to a seven-year-old boy who dreams of being the welterweight champion of the world. For the young Peekay, it is a piece of advice that he will carry with him throughout his life.
Born in a South Africa divided by racism and hatred, this one small boy will come to lead all the tribes of Africa. Through enduring friendships with Hymie and Gideon, Peekay gains the strength he needs to win out. And in a final conflict with his childhood enemy, the Judge, Peekay will fight to the death for justice.
Bryce Courtenay’s classic bestseller is a story of the triumph of the human spirit – a spellbinding tale for all ages.
You can read an excerpt here – once you click through to the the site, just click the button on the left.
This movie was one of the most impressive and inspiring movies I’d seen in all of the 90’s and since. It’s really a movie (and book) that touches the heart and soul of anyone who has even an ounce of humanaity in him (her). As a parent, I made it required viewing (reading) for all four of my growing (now adult) childern…a must see (read) for all parents (grandparents) concerned about the quality of human being they are raising.