Review of The Power of One (1992) by Dave B — 19 Sep 2008

This movie focuses on an English boy, nicknamed "P.K.," growing up in colonial South Africa. It is at times poignant and evocative, at times brutal and violent. It offers a sympathetic and appealing portrayal of both the English and the Bantu tribes. The movie is at its best when showing the friendship between P.K. and a German pianist, and in portraying the lad's sufferings in a boarding school. There, the portrayal is Dickens-like in its poignancy and brutality.

The movie is weakest in its portrayal of the Afrikaaners. With the exception of P.K.'s girlfriend and his boxing trainer, both of whom are outcasts, the film is unremittingly hostile to seemingly every aspect of Afrikaaner culture. This one-dimensional portrayal weakens the movie's credibility. I believe a more balanced portrayal would have enhanced the story.

I also felt that the movie's descent into utter chaos near the end weakened the plot.

That said, the movie is well-acted and engrossing from start to finish. Morgan Freeman's portrayal of a prisoner is very powerful.