The Power of One (1992)

"The Power of One" unfurls the compelling tale of Peekay, a young English lad in South Africa, marked by his burning desire to transform the world. His childhood is marred by isolation and torment as the lone English pupil in an Afrikaans school, and his life takes a daunting turn when he finds himself orphaned. He comes under the wing of a German national, Professor von Vollensteen, affectionately known as "Doc", a comrade of his grandfather. Doc cultivates Peekay's latent piano skills and enlists him as his “assistant gardener” in his eccentric cactus garden. As World War II breaks out, Doc is incarcerated for failing to register as a foreigner with the English government. During his regular prison visits, Peekay befriends Geel Piet, a fellow inmate, who introduces him to boxing. A myth circulates about the Rainmaker, a harbinger of peace amidst the tribes, and Peekay finds himself unwittingly cast as this messiah. Post-war, Peekay enrolls in an English private school, where he continues boxing and encounters Maria, a girl who captures his heart. However, Maria's father, Professor Daniel Marais, is a figurehead of the Nationalist Party of South Africa, putting them at ideological odds. As they struggle to impart English education to the natives, the myth of the Rainmaker amplifies Peekay's fame. A confrontational incident with Marais over Peekay's English classes results in Maria's tragic death, leading a distraught Peekay to momentarily lose sight of his mission. Nevertheless, spurred by the thriving success of his language school among the tribes, Peekay and his ally Guideon Duma remain steadfast in their mission, nurturing the dream of a brighter future for Africa. This poignant narrative unravels Peekay's journey, illustrating the true "Power of One" in effecting change.

The Power of One is a drama movie featuring Nomadlozi Kubheka and directed by John G. Avildsen.

The Power of One is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player.

It is also possible to buy The Power of One on Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store and YouTube.