Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

From the moment I saw this film, I thought… damn… what a cool film. And I haven't changed my opinion from that on. This film, by Sheldon Letich, one of those directors who are good at directing martial art stars in martial arts films. So… we are safe. The story is about young Louis (Dacascos) member of special forces in Brazil, where he trained capoeira. He returns home, to Miami to help his high school teacher (Geoffrey Lewis), who has problems (well not just him, but entire school) with problematic kids. They decided to teach capoeira to kids and made a special discipline program. But, the trouble rises when Louis founds out that one of the kids is related to a local gang lord, who is also a capoeira master and so… Louis takes the fight to protect the kids, school, and his girlfriend.Now… the movie is simple, very simple and likable. First of all, as a martial artist myself, I think that this film offers a beautiful scenes of capoeira and excellent, well choreographed fight scenes. It also have that popular capoeira music, which is usually played in training scenes, the villains have their own dark theme for their "dark capoeira". No wonder so many capoeira students love this film. And I understand them. The movie offers a very beautiful atmosphere of Miami, good visuals… When it comes to the script, it's silly and simple, nothing to think about much… Mark Dacascos… well… of course, don't expect some fine acting from him, but he was brilliant in fighting scenes and this film remains one of the best in his career. Stacey Travis, who plays his girlfriend Dianna, I saw her in few low budget films, and… well, she pretty much sticks to similar performances, Geoffrey Lewis already did some martial arts films, but he is not martial artist, so he was good in his own element. There are also a lot of supporting cast actors who are likable, hated, or funny… you decide. And we have a villain Silverio, played by Paco Christian Prieto, I love this guy, a menacing and hilarious dude, the guy can't act worth of sh*t, but he made a terrific villain, and he performed some good martial arts moves too… but walking around, being a tough guy to Mark Dacascos's character… calling him "Santo", or "Hey, santo!"… that's a real comedy.So, overall… watch this film, it's highly recommended, especially for capoeira students, or for most of them who love martial arts… I don't care if you don't like martial arts, this is a cool, relaxing film and it's good for playing during the summer with friends.

a very enjoyable film the martial art beautiful to watch dacascos on top form. though the film is predictable you blatantly watch it too see the martial arts.ever since watching drive i have been a dacascos fan, but feel he can do so much better than the stuff he is given.just watch the film for the martial arts, for the uninformed amongst you the art in question is Capoeira (what eddy does in tekken 3) a Brazilian martial art that looks like dancing.dacascos alone embodies the art and is given help from the on screen badguy to pull off one of the most watchable and exciting fighting climaxes in history.i say its a no brainier with the bad guy, kid that needs help, sideline love interest and the mandatory good looking leading man but what the hell? sit back and enjoy

I saw a preview of this movie nearly 10 years ago, so I went right out and rented it. I really loved it, but I could never remember the name. I hunted high and low for the cover which made a lasting impression on me, but to no avail. Today I was chanel surfing, as I normally do, and there it was, ON British TV!!! I was amazed. I had to sit and watch it. Now I will always remember that "Only the Strong" is the best motivational movie I have ever seen, though there was one noticeable inaccuracy. When Louis (Mark Dacascos) is in his BDU's, he has his sleeves rolled like a Marine, though he was is a former Green Barret. Other than that I was impressed with the movie.

Whilst the action scenes may not be the hottest around, Only The Strong succeeds in sending a healthy message to young people - there is more than one way to enjoy your youth and assert yourself; don't use violence except in self-defence. Marc Dacascos is convincing as Louis Stevens who used to be a rebelious teenager himself, but succeeded in learning from his mistakes and now wishes to make a difference in the lives of others.The unique fighting style combined with rythm and music produced lots of healthy entertainment and sent the message that persons capable of self defence could also be creative and sensitive.