Only the Strong

Starring:Mark Dacascos, Stacey Travis, Geoffrey Lewis, Paco Christian Prieto, Todd Susman, Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter, Richard Coca, Roman Cardwell, Ryan Bollman, Christian Klemash, John Fionte, Joselito 'Amen' Santo, John Gregory Kasper, Phyllis Sukoff, Antoni Corone, Mellow Man Ace, Felipe Savahge, Luis Esteban, Jim Vickers, Mark Salem
Director: Sheldon Lettich
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Description

Ex-Special Forces soldier Louis Stevens (Mark Dacascos) returns to Miami to find his former high school overrun by drugs and violence. A master of the Brazilian martial art, capoeira, Stevens pledges to straighten out a dozen of the school's worst students by teaching them this demanding and highly-disciplined fighting style. Slowly, his program begins to work, giving the students new hope and purpose. But the local drug lord, himself a martial arts expert, vows to stop Stevens' positive influence. Now Stevens must fight to save his own life, as well as the lives of his rebellious young students.

Customer Reviews:

looking for capoeira? this is the movie.......2007-05-30

Amongst the thousands of martial arts films in circulation, it is near impossible to find one that focuses on Capoeira fighting. And among a few films that contain tournaments, such as the Bloodsport series, you can find a Capoeira fighter in the tournament. But if you are looking for a fighting style used throughout an entire film, Only The Strong is the only movie I know of.

In addition to a Capoeira treat, the movie stars Marc Dacascos, a fan favorite by many who has been in several notable films such as Drive, Cradle 2 The Grave, and American Samurai. Though not a true Capoeira fighter, Dacascos did a pretty good job of learning it for this film. Though the fights look unrealistic because of all the flash of the moves, nevertheless it is beautiful choreography that is quite original and never gets old. This is why we watch movies after all, to see fantasy fights that look sweet.

As for the story, though somewhat cheesy, I thought it too was quite original. The Mark Dacascos character returns to his old high school in Miami, Florida and begins a program to teach the absolute worst kids there the art of Capoeira. Unfortunately, one of the student's cousins, Silverio (played by Paco Christian Prieto - Street Law, Champions), tries to put an end to it, leading up to a big confrontation and fight between Dacascos and Prieto. I loved the fight scene. It lasted 4 minutes, about average length, and took place on a sgement of Miami beach at night. The choreography for this fight was amazing to watch.
You might even like the soundtrack for this film, which incorporates a lot of rhythm and beat for the fighting. Songs like "Bananawe" may stick in your head for hours and hours after watching.
I highly recommend Only The Strong if you want to see a lot of Capoeira fighting, or just something different in a martial arts movie. I also recommend Tony Jaa's newest movie "The Protector" if you want to see a really flashly fight involving Capoeira.

Martial arts to a dance.......2007-05-15

I love this Brazilain technique looks imposible. this is one of my all time favourite movie. good thing is it actually has a story line to it, it doesn't go straight to fighting. As a kid going to a bad schooll with a bad attitude a teacher straightens him out then ships off to the navy in brazil were he learns the deadily art of capoeira.

If you like Capoeira you have seen this already.......2007-01-03

So only the strong is not a great movie. Poor acting, formulaic plot, cheesy....everything but it is one of the only movies in the U.S. that has a lot of Capoeira. As a capoeirista myself I found the actual demonstration of the art to be very limited and the writers understanding of the art to be somewhat lacking. Mark Dacascos is not a Capoeirista but trained in a style of kung fu, explaining why his skill in Capoeira is less than desireable but his basic fighting knowledge pretty good. He trained for six months in capoeira for this movie which is not enought to really get any good. In response to one of the other posts, Capoeira is Brazilian. It is based on an African fighting style but does not currently , nor has it since the slaves modified it so much, resembled the lost African art it originated from. OTS is a campy movie that has a lot of flaws to it.

All that being said I have to say that I really liked. Admittedly it has so many things wrong with it that I could not list them all here but I didn't care when watching it. It is fun, and easy to get into. As a capoeirista I felt that they showed a good effort in displaying all the art in many parts, even if the writers really didn't understand on a higher level what it is about. The movie was memorable and entertaining. I recomend watching it but I just can't give it more than three stars because of huge cheese factor. If you like movies such as the last dragon you will like this. If you haven't seen TLD then buy them both, get a few friends together and watch them both. Great fun and a lot of memorable, cheesy quotes that will last you a lifetime.

gREAT SHOWCASE FOR mARK DACASCAS, don't expect that good of a movie.......2006-03-07

This is oen of your favorite movies from back when you were 10, you probably remember it. Most of the characters seemed like they are dubbed even though this is an American movie. No real great fight scenes, but if you are one of those people who like Jet Li's the Master, then you will probably like this.

A strong movie.......2006-02-01

Mark Darascos is a great martial-artist and "Only the Strong" is where he shines. This film is an under-rated flick that is a must own for any fan of martial-art movies.

Only the Strong Survive - A Celebration of Soul

Average customer rating:

Songs for people with very short attention spans
Collector's Item
Great Documentary!
Great Live Performances, Not Great Documentary
Classic DVD

Only the Strong Survive - A Celebration of Soul
Starring: Rufus Thomas , Carla Thomas (II) , Isaac Hayes , Wilson Pickett , and Mary Wilson
Director: Chris Hegedus , and D.A. Pennebaker
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000TG9YM
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Amazon.com

One reviewer has called Only the Strong Survive "an American Buena Vista Social Club," and that's not a bad way to describe this entertaining 2002 documentary. It certainly has a righteous pedigree: co-directors D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus have between them been responsible for films like Monterey Pop, Bob Dylan's Don't Look Back, Down from the Mountain, Startup.com, and numerous others; meanwhile, many of the great soul singers who appear here, including Isaac Hayes, Wilson Pickett, Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave), and Carla Thomas, have retained much of their power since their heydays decades ago. The interview portions are fun--we learn, for instance, that "the wicked Pickett" has a stash of $1,000 shirts and $6,000 suits--but it's the musical numbers that are the main attraction, and there are some good ones. Even better, the DVD's bonus features include half a dozen complete live performances not in the original film, along with audio commentary by legendary producer Jerry Wexler and several of the artists. Sure, it would have been nice if Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and other living soul greats had also taken part, but hearing Eugene Record and the Chi-Lites singing "Oh Girl" is just about worth the price of admission alone. --Sam Graham

Description

In the winning spirit of STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN, ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE brings together an amazing array of musical icons! With living legends such as Isaac Hayes, Jerry Butler, Sam Moore, Wilson Pickett, and Mary Wilson performing together on one stage, it's a dream revue of original artists and songs that won America's heart . . . and filled it with soul. Also featuring the Chi-Lites, Ann Peebles. and Carla and Rufus Thomas ... the night these legends come together will be a night you'll never forget!

Customer Reviews:

Songs for people with very short attention spans.......2006-07-04

With just two exceptions, of the 15 GREAT, live, concert performances available to have been included in this production, all have been trimmed to about 30 seconds in length. For those of you who have attended a performance of James Brown any time in the last 20 years, it will remind you of his technique of trying to fit 6 hours of hit music into 90 minutes. The few measures of Wilson Pickett performing "Land of a Thousand Dances" and "In The Midnight Hour", Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave) singing "Soul Man", Isaac Hayes "Theme from Shaft" and finally "Don't Let Go" were all HUGE disappointments. Just as each song begins to move your mind, body and soul, it's over.

Collector's Item.......2006-02-25

I would ordinarily give this DVD a 4 star review except for all the needless chit chat included in it. How wonderful to see Sam Moore performing again. Perhaps his voice is not the powerhouse it once was but his soul is screaming to entertain. Jerry Butler is still incredible as are most of the entertainers on this DVD. If you are a serious soul collector you need to have this. Sandy

Great Documentary!.......2006-02-21

Great documentary from people who have a love for music and giving due to those who created a culture.

Great Live Performances, Not Great Documentary.......2005-04-27

Let me say first that the performances themselves of the artists presented here are unianimously fantastic, and deserve repeated viewing. If you are a fan of soul music, and want to see the talented singers doing their great shows still somewhere before the excited audiences, this film is for you. And I really enjoyed the music part of the film.

Unfortunately, very few archive footages are used, and there is no James, Smokey, or Aretha. But the live performances (mainly from the year 1999-2000) are all wonderful. The artists recorded here include, Jerry Butler, The Chi-Lites, Isaac Hayes, Sam Moore, Ann Pebbles, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett, and Mary Wilson. They all sing one song or two before the very lucky audiences.

But you may ask me, Why three stars. Oh, it's because of the directors, who do not show the due respect to the history of the soul music itself. D. A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus do not know which they want to make, documentary or live music recording. It seems (and probably is) that the crew only recorded whatever they can quickly, and put the footages together. How can they put Mary Wilson (ex-Supremes) and Isaac Hayes in the same film without explaining the history of the soul music? I don't see the point of putting them together except that they are both great artists.

Still some moments are very touching to see. Sam Moore reveals his painful past while he was selling illegal stuff on the street around 1973, and it's joyful to see Carla Thomas and Rufus Thomas having good time together.

As documentary 'Only the Strong Survive' is never informative. You see this movie, and your knowledge about this great music doesn't change. Still, the live performances from the recorded artists are all dynamic and thrilling. Though you might find Wilson Pickett, when off stage, a bit too talkative, his singing ('Land of 1000 Dances' and 'In the Midnight Hour') on the stage is really exciting even more than 30 years after they became the hits. Watch these great live acts, and enjoy them.

Classic DVD.......2004-09-05

Loved this presentation of staxx Records&the many Great Talents that brought the Grits&Gravy to Soul Music back in the day. great to See so Many Greats like Issac Hayes,Sam Moore,the Late Great Rufus Thomas,His Daughter Carla Thomas amongest others.must See.Wilson Pickett through down as well on here. this is Music History being presented.

The Naked Warrior, Master the Secrets of the Super-Strong--Using Bodyweight Exercises Only with Pavel

Average customer rating:

Strength training the Russian way.
Not For Beginners

The Naked Warrior, Master the Secrets of the Super-Strong--Using Bodyweight Exercises Only with Pavel
Starring: Pavel Tsatsouline
Manufacturer: Dragon Door Publications
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00024ONCK
Release Date: 2004-04-01

Customer Reviews:

Strength training the Russian way........2007-04-24

The Naked Warrior DVD is a 35 minute instructional guide that demonstrates in exacting detail several calisthentic exercises for the upper and lower body. The program focuses on two very difficult exercises and their variations. These are the one-arm pushup and one-leg squat. While these are considered advanced exercises, Pavel will show you techniques that will help the beginner. You will learn special strength secrets such as dynamic tension, power breathing and bracing that will help you to master your body weight training. If you are looking for a follow along workout routine then you will be disappointed. As a reference guide the DVD is great.

The production quality is excellent with plenty of precise instruction. These body resistance exercises can be performed anywhere and do not require any special equipment. Pavel is a knowledgable instructor and strength expert. He is an excellent motivator and very likable.

The Naked Warrior is also available as a book. The manual is well written and contains plenty of illustrations to help you understand the exercises involved. The DVD allows you to see first hand the exercises that are being performed in the book. This is the perfect way to ensure that proper form and technique are followed. I have both and recommend them to anyone who wants to improve their strength and fitness. Pavel will help you go from zero to hero!

Not For Beginners.......2005-10-19

Pavel's enthusiasm and confidence urges the buyer to get started immediately with the exercises he demonstrates, but this strength building CD is NOT for beginners! One needs to be in great shape already. Then Pavel takes you to the next level, excellent condition. One can figure out what's needed to get to the great shape level from the CD, and greatfully, there is a medical warning at the start of the tape to prevent harm to the over enthused. "Enjoy!" to quote Pavel, but only if you are ready.

Average customer rating:

Only the Strong Survive
Starring: Texas Boyz
Manufacturer: Gospel Music USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00080ARNM
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Product Description

This Gospel video includes top songs, interviews, and bonus footage.

Zone of the Enders (ZOE) - Dolores, i - Only the Strong Survive (Vol. 5)

Average customer rating:

Zone of the Enders (ZOE) - Dolores, i - Only the Strong Survive (Vol. 5)
Starring: Zone of the Enders-Dolores I
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000093NOQ
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Charlie Rose with Sean Foley, Hamis McColl & Kenneth Branagh; Andre Leon Talley; Chris Hegedus & D.A. Pennebaker (May 22, 2003)

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Charlie Rose with Sean Foley, Hamis McColl & Kenneth Branagh; Andre Leon Talley; Chris Hegedus & D.A. Pennebaker (May 22, 2003)

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Bodybuilding: Passion - Pain - Perfection, ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE

Average customer rating:

Bodybuilding: Passion - Pain - Perfection, ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE

Manufacturer: Iovate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000OPUQMS

Product Description

Volume Two in a Series of Three.

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