The Power of One

I LOVED the book, but even as I was reading it I knew that there was no real was to make it into a good film. It dealt too much with one mans experiences and how they shape him. It was such a personal story that the only way to have kept it true to the book would be to have a narrator talking about every plot point... and that would get tired very fast. So when they did make the movie I did not hold out much hope for it, but when I saw it I have to admit that I never in my wildest dreams thought that they could screw it up so badly! Major plot points (including how he gets his name) have been dropped in favour of a half hearted attempt at a love story between Peekay and some whiney schoolgirl (where the hell did this charcter come from anyway?) If you told me that the scriptwriter and director had a grudge against the man who wrote the novel I would believe you... cause they sure did a number on the source material.

source: The Power of One

Trailer—The Power of One

The Power of One

The movie was good but like many of the comments on this page I say that the book is much better then the movie. If they went more along the lines of the book I feel that the ratings would be much better. I think Stephen Dorff was great in the roll of P.K. But I think I will stick to the book. If you liked the movie read the book it is worth the read even if you are not a book reader. If you enjoy that book then read Tandia. I think Tandia would be great as a movie as well. The power of One and Tandia the only 2 good books by Bryce Courtenay the others fall short.

Good film - but read the book, the ending is very different - better all round really! Go on read the Power of One now, then read Tandia. It reaches into your heart and you can feel for PK. If they had made the film as the book i think it would shake some of the greats like - Colour Purple!!

Watching this movie in history class to get a better understanding of colonialism and the conflicts in South Africa (mostly Apartheid), I realized that not everything that you watch in school sucks. On the last scene I cried (and this is the only movie I've ever shed a tear on). Why wasn't this HUGE? How many famous actors does this need to win an Oscar? This is definitely the most emotional film I've ever seen (that doesn't mean to watch it with you girlfriend)! If you're reading this and haven't seen it, then get up and run to Block Buster before they close!!!!! NOW!!!!!! This is definitely my favorite movie and you must see it if you haven't (although it probably won't be my favorite movie for long!?)!

I read the book before I saw the film. Usually I am disappointed in films taken from books, they never seem to capture the true feeling and emotion of the book. Knowing this, I started watching the movie somewhat skeptically. Not only do I believe that it truly followed the book's intention, I think with the combined media (music, acting, etc.) it made the story even more powerful and incredible. This film has since become one of my all time favorites.

The first time I saw this movie I fell in love with it. This remarkable story of a young boy who grew up completely surrounded by hate in the midst of apartheid in South Africa during World War II. In this movie we see the pains that this boy endures in his life and how he turns that into personal strength. The courage that he has to face up to apartheid is remarkable and the parrallelism between his boxing and his political convictions is remarkable. I found myself so drawn into the life of P.K. so much that I had to go out and read the book by Bryce Courtney. The soundtrack is also remarkable; the music provides a perfect backdrop to the story line and it is equally as powerful.

The first time I saw The Power of One, I cried because it was such a sad story of love and hate and injustice. Now that I've seen it again (about 20 times), it's become so much more than that to me. This story is true. Maybe not in the details, but in the basics. This is South Africa, or was not so long ago. I feel that everyone should see this film, no matter their race, religion, or backgroud because it applies to us all. I have always loved Africa and watching this story brings me back to the land I love. The writing behind this film is excellent and I recommend anyone who loved the movie to read the book. Power lies undoubtedly in unity.