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Only the Strong (1993)

Rate: 6
Viewed: 10/20

OnlyStrong
10/20: A longtime director of Van Damme pictures, Sheldon Lettich gives newcomer Mark Dacascos a chance to showcase something unique in Only the Strong: capoeira which is a combined Brazilian art form of fight, dance, rhythm, and movement.

At first, it looks weird, especially during the martial art battles, because I'm used to seeing the likes of Bruce Lee, Steven Seagal, Jackie Chan, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, among others. This is different, but is it a good thing? I don't know, yet it appears impressive nevertheless.

The trouble with the fights is they aren't real as many punches and kicks are missed on purpose by roughly four to eight inches. Instead, it's fluid choreography of timed moves. Honestly, the most realistic outcome will be: somebody pulls a gun and shoots the teacher and it's back to business as usual for Silverio's gang.

In my opinion, to be good at capoeira is to have a strong background in gymnastics. Mark Dacascos has that plus an extensive history in martial arts. He learned capoeira for the first time only two months before auditioning for the lead role in the film. That's why I don't believe these high school students and I think they already had sufficient foundation for quick success.

Of anyone, Paco Christian Prieto has a strong presence. He looks familiar bcause he did the pool fight with Jean-Claude Van Damme in Lionheart. Since then, Prieto had done a total of five more films. It's a pity because he should've had a career that's similar to Danny Trejo's.

Back to Only the Strong, it's an okay but sometimes cheesy 90's movie with an 80's feel. The story isn't strong. At one point, the capoeira instructor tried to come on to the female teacher, but it never materializes, so why bother showing him in this manner? There isn't a lot of depth to any of the characters. However, the message is positive throughout which is why I'll be generous by giving the film a '6'.

All in all, it's hard not to be impressed with capoeira in Only the Strong which was done with zero CGI tricks.