One of my favorite films is the Power of One. Heard of it? Not a lot of people have, yet it’s from the director of The Karate Kid and Rocky—and both Morgan Freeman and Daniel Craig (very young) are in its supporting cast. Hans Zimmer composed the amazing music.
It’s not new; it came out in 1992. So, there are twenty years worth of films that could have supplanted it as a favorite—or even older movies I’ve seen in the meantime. But it’s still one of my top picks.
Brief summary: An English boy in South Africa, orphaned and an outcast in the Afrikaaner society, grows up during the WWII era. Along the way, he meets a German pianist, a prison inmate (Freeman), as well as one of his country’s best boxing coaches, who greatly impact his life. Later, during his high school years, the boy of course, falls for the daughter of the leader of the party instating Apartheid (which he abhors). Cue: all sorts of havoc and attempts to help the suffering populations.
What I love most about this movie is how the “power of one” not only applies to the main character, but to so many of the secondary characters as well—each doing their small part in standing up to injustice. Yes, that’s definitely what I love most about it.
I warn you, it’s not an easy film. There’s a lot of tragedy. But there’s also tremendous inspiration and hope for what one person can accomplish for so many by focusing on only a few. Here is the movie trailer. Now be nice, it’s old.
Recently, Britt over at the lovely A Physical Perspective nominated me for The Lovely Blog award. Thanks, so much Britt! The rules for acceptance include 7 things about myself.
So, 1. One of my favorite movies is…can you guess what I might say?
2. The Power of One movie is based on a book by Bryce Courtenay, but I cringe to admit the movie touched me more deeply. That happens so rarely for me.
3. I tend to have two books going at the same time…reading one fiction and one non-fiction.
4. I love spicy and saucy food, so TUMS and I are buds.
5. I love interactive cooking: having good friends come over and we have a leisurely evening cooking together. Last week, we learned to make homemade gnocchi.
6. I am definitely someone who needs to wear an apron when they cook.
7. I almost lost my eyebrows at one of our #5 events while making Julia Childs’ (in combo with the Barefoot Contessa’s) beefy burgundy. What I learned: do not set the alcohol (to finish off the sauce) aflame inside the house, especially when the burner’s still on as well as the vent. Bad. Very bad.
Now for those I’d like to nominate in turn for the Lovely Blog award: 
Jacquie Gum: who writes about all sorts of injustice (some tongue-in-cheek), but always interesting. Sometimes, it’s just lovely to laugh.
Darlene over at Diamonds on the Grass (love this title) for her lovely inspiration.
Glenn over at Glennweissel for his photographic art.
Amy who writes The Bumble Files about life at the crossroads and the bursts of loveliness she finds there.
Pattie Welek Hall for her lovely quotes of daily inspiration
Marie over at Le Blog de Marie for the beauty of her photographs
MariaGiovanna at Sharing My Italy for her lovely lovely Italian recipes
Rules for the nominees:
▪ Link back to the blogger who nominated you
▪ Paste the award image on your blog
▪ Tell 7 Facts About Yourself
▪ Nominate 15 10 7 other blogs that you would like to give the award to. (I will be a rebel in this one)
Contact the bloggers that you have chosen and let them know about the award. (Will do with pleasure)
What movies have inspired and moved you the most? Why?
I’ve put the movie in my Netflix queue. Thanks for that recommendation.
Hey Kathy, hope you enjoy it.
The Power of One looks fantastic! How have I never heard of this?! It’s offically been added to my “to watch” list. Glad the One Lovely Blog Award prompted you to share it! Oh, and for the record, I’m right there with you for facts #3 and #4!
Hey Janet, I hope you like the movie. I think like so many good books, if they’re not promoted, we don’t hear about them. Sad.
So you like the spicy food, too, eh? so glad for the invention of antacids.
Congratulations, Marney! Thanks so much for the nomination. It’s nice to be recognized! I really appreciate it. I’ve never seen the “Power of One.” I’ll have to check it out. I’m always looking for good movie recommendations. I like “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” I’m sure there are many others, but that’s the one that comes to mind
Boy, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Four Weddings…I enjoy most of Hugh Grant’s films.
I know, I know. I never watch movies anymore and I miss it. Hopefully, I’ll get back to it someday. With my kids, I usually watch a lot of their movies
Thanks for sharing your favorite blogs. Can’t wait to check them out! And I also can’t wait to watch the movie. I would usually go straight for the book, but I’ll take your advice and watch the flick instead.
Blessings!
Linden
I know, usually I go straight for the books, too. My mother actually came across this film while I was on a trip in South Africa…so of course, it piqued her interest. When I got back, she said I should see it. And she was right. Hope you like it, too.
Thank you so much for the nomination and congrats on your award!
http://sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/thanking-and-sharing-awards-time/
The Power of One is one of my favorite movies for all the same reasons you mentioned. I also like to think of the power of “one” as it relates to unity and most importantly as it is demonstrated by The One in whom all power is found. Congrats on your awards too! Judy
Yay! You’ve seen it. Love your comment, Judy.
Marney… never heard of the movie The Power of One but I love the message. Have to rent it.
And thank you dear for the nomination. I’m touched.
Pattie
Yes, you should rent it. And I’m very happy to nominate you!
This is a great movie for all the reasons you expressed in your post. Excellent! I greatly enjoyed reading this! Thank you, Penny
Hey Penny, good to see you again. So glad you liked the movie, too.
Some movies are compelling, even if raw with emotion and reality that can make the viewing difficult. This is one of those! Glad to be visiting, I wish I had more hours in the day sometimes. I think I could just live in the rich and inviting world of bloggers.
My choice of movies range from cheesy to suspenseful, to british humor. Speaking of the latter, one of my all time fav’s is Sliding Doors. Didn’t make it too big, but Gwenyth P. is the lead character. It shows her life split into 2 different scenarios – one if she missed the train and another if she made it. Cute and thought provoking.
Hey Marie,
Yep, just depends on your mood, you know? Can’t watch serious stuff all the time. It’s been a long time since I saw Sliding Doors, but I liked it, too. Alternate ways your life could’ve been are always interesting to me.
Loved this movie (and my hubby just told me he’s never seen it, so I anticipate pulling it up on Netflix again sometime soon!) Thanks
Yep, an oldie but goodie.
Yes, I agree, Marney. The Power of One is one of my favorites as well. It’s been years since I’ve watched it, though I remember how moved I was during the scene in the prison yard when the 2 tribes interact. The movie is truly inspiring and gives a lot of hope. Thanks for reminding me of this wonderful movie. It’s time to watch it again.
Yep, I’ve seen this film several times and quite a few scenes still give me goosebumps. Also, the soundtrack is amazing. Very inspiring.
Hey Marney!
Thank you so much for the nomination! I accept and will be following up soon.
Inspiring movies are so much a part of my life, it’s hard to pick just one, so these are two that stand out: Miracle (1980 US Olympic Hockey Team wins Gold Medal) and Love Actually (all you need is… and a wonderful cast).
Tums for spicy food, eh? Try something your body will really appreciate:
Kangen Water. http://www.ultrakangenh2o.info/