For this Summer Only the Strong. The Summer season is hitting with its full power, what better time to watch an old classic and enjoy the summer vibes!
The movie of the Summer
Like every year the time has come to suggest you a martial art movie that fits with the summer season and my choice fell on Only the Strong. Only the Strong is a film of the 1993, starring a young Mark Dacascos in one of his first roles as protagonist. The movie at that time was not well received by the critics, but honestly it is the only Hollywood movie totally focused on Capoeira and it is showing just fine the Brazilian martial art moves and spirit.
A Capoeira story
The story is about a young man called Louis Stevens, who after completing his military service in Brazil learning Capoeira, returns to his hometown in Miami. Visiting his old high school, Louis learn that the entire neighborhood has become a place where drug dealers and gangs reign supreme. With the help of old friends, Louis will eventually clean up the area from the gangs, teaching Capoeira and its values to the worst students of the high school.
Capoeira is the martial art par excellence associated to the beaches and the warm weather, due to its place of origin, Brazil. The movie recalls the capoeira roots with the summer ghetto environment and the music. The plot carries a Capoeira story from the eyes of a “gringo”, which is very similar to most of the great teachers journey outside Brazil, learning this incredible martial art on site and spreading its values and positive energy to their own people. The capoeristas around the world could really appreciate or even be reflected in some Louis’s student.
The reborn of a true champion
Talking about Mark Dacascos, he is living a sort of comeback, even if he never stop acting, after his performance in the blockbuster John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, his career is boosting one more time. The last updates talks about Dacascos participation in the upcoming 47 Ronin sequel, called Blade of the 47 Ronin, starring also Mike Moh, Dustin Nguyen and Yoshi Sudarso.
For this Summer Only the Strong. Did you know this movie? Did you know about Capoeira?