Rating: 
Summary: Huge disappointment after the book
Review: I recently read The Power of One and was blown away by the moving and triumphant story. One of the best books I've read in the last 5 years, hands down. So I was eager to see the movie rendition.Shocking let-down. Huge, important sections of the story omitted; central relationships between characters not explained; and worst of all, the movie has warped the "message" of the book towards apartheid, vs. the book's message of individual achievement and triumph. The movie story is hollow, confusing, and unbelievable. If you read the book and are excited to see the movie, rent it - do NOT own. You will be sorry. (One major plus, however, is that the soundtrack of Power of One is amazing.)
Rating: 
Summary: The value of respect
Review: Our world is like a diamond full of facets, all different and unique but all contributing to the sparkling beauty that is who we are. This movie contributes to my favorite theme of questioning "progress" and "civilization" when it costs so much in terms of those who have lived in harmony with this planet for so much longer. When this happens, we all lose. A young white boy living in South Africa loses his parents and grows up loving and respecting the natives around him who nurture and educate him. Coming into conflict with the WWII ethos and its impact on this country, he discovers the value in his ability to respect and work with the natives to empower them in the face of some pretty horrendous conditions. Morgan Freeman was never better. I love this movie. The soundtrack alone is worth the purchase, and the scenery will take you to places you have never been before in your soul.
Rating:
Summary: the power of one
Review: I must say, bryce has forever changed my life with this wonderful, beautiful and asorbing novel. While visiting my son in Durham,NC I came across "The Power of One" while browsing thourgh a thirft store. The title just caught my attention. I then realized that this book had been made into a movie. Once I picked it up I could not let it go.
I am an avid reader, and how I missed this gem I will never know. I am recently retired and have more time to read and discover authors not initially known to me. As an African American I am aware of the atrocities of aparthid. This book, however, gives to the reader the horror through the eyes of the innocent boy and his "mystical" journey with a bigger than life cast of characters. Thus bringing each page to life and the startling reality of human suffering. As well as "faith" in ones self to dream. What I find most distrubing, I can't find any of his books in the stores or libraries. What's up with That? Is not this mans voice worth our hearing. An author thorough his media fiction can reach many generations. This is a novel that should be manadorty reading in our highschools whether english, history or social humanities classes. I can only say Bravo to my friend Bryce.
nan, berkeley, cal.
Rating: 
Summary: Molding a leader....
Review: is the topic of Bryce Courtenay's novel of the same name. The DVD does credence to his excellent (5 star!) book. Virtually unknown to the viewing audience thanks to release errors made when the movie came out in 1992, the story provides a showcase
for the acting talents of Stephen Dorff - then a virtual unknown, today one of our strongest young character actors; he stars as Peekay, a young English orphan torn by the promise of an easier future outside of his native South Africa and his love for all things and most people of his land. He is drawn by his past and the lessons learned from a series of wise mentors, who see in him the promise and hope of a better future for South Africa. Color blind, he grows up speaking many tribal languages, and is foreign only to the politically powerful movement that created the system of Apartheid in South Africa. Power of One was recommended to me by a dear friend, who said the movie inspired him in many ways. He was so right. The music, a mixture of soaring melodies and tribal songs, inspires on its own. The scenic beauty of the land of South Africa, from the grasslands to the waterfalls is breathtakingly portrayed on film and captured with true artistry in the DVD. There are many fine supporting players in this tale, some famous, some unknown. Like most tales of heroes and leaders, they shine for awhile in the tale of the child, the adolescent and then the young man Peekay (kudos to the casting director for the two youngsters who play Peekay in his early years; they light up the screen!) and each one's sun sets as Peekay lives through the losses and tragedies that form the backdrop for most heroes. Really a fine tale - a little long in the last hour, some gratuitous violence - a story of the African struggle that few of us know was taking place while the world watched the Nazis. If you see the Power of One, and are moved by the story, be sure to read Courtenay's novel. Both are outstanding!
Rating:
Summary: A movio of leadership
Review: The history is incredible, also the actors. This is a Picture that you must have if you want to become a leader, it shows the humble and the courage of a man who dont't know yet, that he can change a country, with the Power of a person, the power of one. I just wulld prefer that this movie included the subtitles at less in english. Excellent!!
Rating:
Summary: An extremely emotional film
Review: One of my favorite films. The Power of One focuses on key aspects on freedom, love, ideals, friendship but also on sadness and loneliness. Its the story of a little english boy growing up in segregated South Africa, fighting against life and misfortune until he finds that great unjustice plagues the African people. A myth, as they say, will accompany the dreams to unite South Africa.
Rating:
Summary: The best movie I've ever seen.
Review: The movie "The Power of One" is more than just another four-star drama. (I'm not sure it got four stars, but I'd be outraged if it didn't.) It's in a class by itself. It dispels any thoughts of movies being used just for entertainment or shallow, short-lived inspiration. The movie conveys the message of our very purpose on Earth - to promote the welfare of humanity by ending suffering, and we must do this through the power of one. When many individuals unite to promote the welfare of humanity, the power of one is achieved. The quality of the movie is not sacrificed for the purpose of conveying the message. Anyone thirteen or over should see this film.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I have to admit to being totally surprised by the way I felt about this movie. I expected to HATE it. A movie about boxing!! Not my idea of an interesting, or insightful view of apartheid! Although it is not nearly as good a movie as it is a book this movie more than delivers the goods. You have a wonderful more than slightly bitter story about this incredible child growing into a caring and concientious young man truly against the odds. His guides on his path from boyhood to adulthood are beautifully played by Armin Mueller Stahl, Morgan Freeman and Sir John Gielgud, not an unimpressive list. Stephen Dorff is impressive as the older Peekay and the actors playing the younger versions also help to create a character that is truly warm and appealing. The music from this movie also remains one of my favourite soundtracks of all time. It moves between being uplifting and happy to melancholy and powerful. It is truly a beautiful soundtrack. All in all I cannot reccommend this movie enough, if I had never watched it I wouldn't have even know of the book and it is now one of my favourites also. Watch this movie and I truly believe you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: An absolute must see!
Review: This movie is truly inspirational! Not only does it show the viewer the intense pain and struggle of the people of South Africa during the early apartheid years, it also shows how one person can really make a difference. I would highly recommend this movie to everyone. It will change the way you think!!
Rating:
Summary: Flat adaptation of a decent novel
Review: Corny, cliche-ridden story of a young English boxer who struggles for victory and freedom in South Africa, where his people are hated just as much as the black population. You can basically write the film yourself after Morgan Freeman tells the boy he is the "rainmaka." (Oh yeah, and Morgan, work on that accent.)
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