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A FILM WORTH A CLOSER LOOKTHE FEATURE PRESENTATION
IF THIS ONE STAYED WITH YOU
Keep the feeling.
SIMILAR PICKS / A PERSONAL CONNECTION
01
Why this pick
A scrappy new student joins forces with a martial-arts mentor to push back against a violent school gang, delivering the same energetic, low-budget blend of teen redemption and cleanly staged fighting.
02
Why this pick
Its upbeat urban martial-arts world, charismatic hero, colorful villains, and sincere self-improvement arc echo the buoyant, crowd-pleasing spirit behind Only the Strong.
03
Why this pick
This underdog training story has the same unabashed martial-arts enthusiasm, escalating rivalries, and earnest belief that discipline can turn a vulnerable young person into a fighter.
04
Why this pick
A team of flawed competitors learns trust and discipline under intense training; it shares Only the Strong’s heartfelt mentorship, ensemble camaraderie, and satisfying tournament-ready momentum.
05
Why this pick
A troubled teen channels anger through combat training while navigating school intimidation, making it a slicker but similarly direct blend of youth conflict, discipline, and cathartic fights.
Finding the atmosphere, tension and little details that made this one stay with you.
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01 / THE STORY
Former United States Army Special Forces Louis Stevens (Mark Dacascos) returns to his hometown of Miami after completing military service in Brazil, only to learn that his old high school has become a haven for gangs and drug dealers. After Stevens uses his Capoeira skills to kick several drug dealers off the school property, Mr. Kerrigan (Geoffrey Lewis (actor)), one of Stevens' old teachers, sees the impact that Stevens has on the students. Kerrigan gives him the task of teaching Capoeira to a handful of the worst at-risk students at the school, giving Stevens an abandoned fire station as their practice area. While doing so, Stevens earns the ire of the local drug lord, Silverio (Paco Christian Prieto), whose younger cousin, Orlando (Richard Coca), is one of Stevens' students. Silverio is also a master of Capoeira, and he engages Stevens in combat, beating him viciously. The horrified Orlando resolves to learn everything he can from Stevens. Stevens' class learns quickly, and they become very skilled at Capoeira. The principal, delighted, proposes a district-wide Capoeira program to the school board. After a field trip with his class, Stevens once again clashes with Silverio, who declares war against him.
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02 / FACES IN THE FRAME
Kerrigan
Cochran
Orlando Aliveres
Louis Stevens
Dianna
Philippe
