To understand 'Only The Strong' you have to know it was a thing in the early 90's to capitalize on the deteriorating public school system, teens, violence and temptation to drugs. This film - unlike other titles - wasn't kindly received. Critics and audiences didn't want a Karate Kid-like tale of teaching kids a martial art style known as capoeira to help overcome hardships.
The teacher is Louis Stevens (Mark Dacascos). An ex military man who picked up this art while on a tour of duty. I won't lie and tell you this film doesn't follow formula because it does. He inspires the teens when they witness him beat down some toughs on school property. Then a pilot program with the backing of Kerrigan (Geoffrey Lewis) who's a friend and teacher gets launched. There's the cliché resistant from the worst students to join him. Then the barriers come down.
An antagonist comes in the form of the local big time drug dealer Silverio (Paco Christian Prieto). Who doesn't like that he's losing his sway / workforce to Stevens. There's a steady progression of bonding with the students. Conflict with the baddies. A predictable romantic interest in a female teacher. Everything leading up to a big finale fight where everything hangs in the balance.
'Only The Strong' isn't bad. The message and it's form might be dated, but it's solidly made and features an upbeat tone, good music. Dacascos is in top condition both physical and with the martial arts. I saw this on late night tv in back in the 90's and thought it was decent. That thought remains today.
