From the director of Rocky and the original Karate Kid I expected to see a powerful film that is as triumphant as it is educational. The Power of One is neither of those things. It's a great story and I heard the book is great, but the execution is poor. I never really felt anything for these characters and it's decision to move forward years at a time was ineffective.We have seen films like this succeed on a high level. You have to balance doing the story justice while also creating a great movie experience. I never felt myself wanting to find out what happens next to any of these characters. I wanted it to be good but it just didn't turn out the way. The film has great performances. Stepehen Dorff is solid but a bit young for me to believe he actually has this much power and trust among people. And Morgan Freeman even in his 20 minute role was great. His accent didn't seem spot on to what the rest of the cast had and the pacing was just all over the place. I was checking the time multiple times throughout which is an obvious sign of a poor film.Hans Zimmer's score is underused but nonetheless effective. It's actually the only reason I found out about this film. So overall it was an underwhelming film with a few good elements.+Score +Lead performances -Pacing -Directing -Underdeveloped characters-Big moments didn't hit 5.5/10

From what I have seen on comments, people either loved the book and hated the movie or loved them both. Well, I have never read the book and do not intend to read it, especially after reading other comments about the differences between the two.Personally, I would prefer not to read a story about yet another whiteman-sob story about how much whitefolk struggle on their own and the power he has to fulfill his dreams (at least that's how one reviewer made the book sound). I like the Hollywood adaptation that makes it about how one person can affect others and how their will surpasses themselves.Plus, Morgan Freeman rocks it out as Geel Pete.

John G. Avildsen's best intentions for this film do not bear fruit, as his attempt at a powerful and meaningful drama falls well short of the mark. The story of 'P.K.' (Steven Dorff), an English orphan boy who struggles for survival in the land of Afrikaaner rule, is not told with any real sense of direction, and never settles on a theme. In fact the film spends most of its time trying to stir up hatred for the Afrikaaners, so much so that some may find this insulting.Hans Zimmer's score is inhibited, Dean Semler's usually great cinematography is well below par, and Mr. Avildsen's poor direction does not help. Comedy is sparse, and inspiration non-existent, in a movie which tried too hard.Friday, October 16, 1992 - Hoyts Forest Hill Chase

I think this movie should be mandatory viewing in schools. This has got to be one of the most powerful and uplifting movies ever made. It does't beat around the bush about what's wrong in these places and shows that we can make a difference. I don't like watching movies very much, but once in a while one will come out that just blows me away and this is one of them. The actors do a spectacular job and it draws you into the movie. I have seen The Power of One several times due to me wanting others to see it. This is a great family movie as well and any child can be touched by it's meaning. This is highly recommended by me and all my friends and family who I have forced to watch it.