Only the Strong

Only the Strong is a memorable, albeit underrated, martial arts film released in 1993 that effectively combined elements of action, drama, and music to provide a unique cinematic experience. The film starred up-and-comer Mark Dacascos, supported by talents like Stacey Travis and Geoffrey Lewis.

Directed and produced by Sheldon Lettich, best known for his involvement in various action films, Only the Strong puts a spin on the genre by heavily featuring Capoeira, a Brazilian martial arts form that seamlessly syncs dance, acrobatics, and music into a fluid, rhythm-based fighting style. This serves as the movie's unique selling point, as it significantly sets it apart from the majority of martial arts films which primarily focus on Eastern styles such as Karate, Kung Fu, or Taekwondo.

At the heart of the film is Louis Stevens. Mark Dacascos effervescently plays the role of this former Green Beret turned high school teacher returning to his home in Miami after a stint in the military. Dacascos, known for his martial arts prowess, is a perfect fit for the role. He encompasses both the physicality required for the action sequences and the emotional depth needed to portray Stevens' dedication to his students.

Entering a school plagued by violence and crime, Louis Stevens takes it upon himself to take a class of twelve of the most troubled students and attempts to transform their lives through the discipline and rigors that Capoeira training provides. Alongside this, he must face the adversities of a school system that is skeptical of his unorthodox methods and a dangerous local kingpin unhappy with the disruptions Louis is causing to the crime-infected status quo.

Acting as the primary female lead, Stacey Travis plays Dianna, a fellow teacher and former flame of Louis Stevens. Travis gives a engaging performance, bringing a dimension of romance and injects a much-needed dose of femininity into this predominantly masculine narrative. As the film progresses, her acceptance and support of Louis’s strategy provide vital motivation for the other teachers and the school board.

Noteworthy also is Geoffrey Lewis's performance as Principal Kerrigan. Struggling to maintain order in a failing school, he grapples with his skepticism over Louis's martial arts techniques, yet his character beautifully underlines the film's central themes - the struggle against adversity, the acceptance of change, and the underlying question of how far one should go to make a difference.

Only the Strong has all the hallmarks of a classic 90s action movie - a charismatic lead, high-stakes drama, skillfully choreographed fight scenes, and a narrative underpinned by compelling themes. It manages to avoid being just another action film by being an advertisement for the beauty and poise of Capoeira. The choreography is masterfully crafted, elegantly balancing traditional Capoeira moves with more recognized martial arts tropes to create action scenes that are visually striking and exhilarating to watch.

The inclusion of Capoeira also introduces an aspect of musicality not often seen in martial arts films. The music isn’t just a soundtrack to the film, but as a fundamental part of Capoeira, it becomes a unifying element for the school and the students, providing rhythm, comfort, and a shared culture that the students can identify with.

Overall, Only the Strong is an inspiring movie that showcases the transformative power of martial arts and music in breaking down barriers and uniting people. Despite being set within the harsh realities of a violent school, the film never loses its optimism, focusing on the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Although not conventionally famous, the film has garnered a cult-following due to its unique presentation of Capoeira and a strong performance by Mark Dacascos, whose role in Only the Strong served as a stepping stone in his career. A must-watch for those who delight in unique martial art films with a heartwarming story.