Only the Strong (1993) is officially the only Hollywood movie dedicated to capoeira.
While it may be just another average “martial arts” film in the ocean of Hollywood productions, it has done an invaluable service to the cultural heritage of Brazil. This is one of those classic American movies where our hero decides to take the road less traveled, correct a societal injustice, and make the world a slightly better place through his humble contribution. In Only the Strong, Luis Stevens (played by Mark Dacascos) returns to his hometown of Miami after military service in Brazil, where he has, of course, mastered the art of capoeira. Discovering that his old high school has become a playground for local gangs and its students are heading toward a grim future, he decides to take matters into his own hands and “set things right” using capoeira.
The rest is history, well-known to a small percentage of people who call themselves capoeiristas today. Watching the film today, you’ll likely smile at its naive story and charmingly simple narration. Did it seem different back in 1993? Anyone got a time machine to check? What we do know is that this film caused a seismic shift in the martial arts world, introducing a previously little-known gem to a wider audience. For the first time, an exotic art of combat, accompanied by rhythm and percussion, was presented to audiences outside Brazil. Around the globe, young viewers sat in front of their screens wondering, “Where can I learn this?” What was it about capoeira that lit up so many eyes at first sight? How did this film ignite a dream that thousands suddenly began to share?
Let’s activate that time machine and return to 1993. Sit back and press play on Only the Strong! From the opening scenes, viewers are transported to the warm sands of Brazil, where a group of men in a circle exchange techniques—part combat, part acrobatics, and entirely magical! They perform movements resembling martial arts but are unlike anything seen before. They’re clearly engaged in a duel, yet they don’t seem hostile toward one another. On the contrary, they laugh and appear to enjoy the exchange. Time seems to stand still, and nothing beyond the circle and the game inside it matters. Soon, you realize there are no winners in this game. The reward is simply sharing the experience. Our protagonist stands out at first glance. A soldier, clearly not from here, but in the circle, performing capoeira, he is an equal.
What a fantastic message, right?
Even if it’s your first time seeing capoeira, this scene immediately teaches you two vital truths: in capoeira circle, everyone is equal, and while the game is in play, the outside world ceases to exist. Of course, the acrobatics and spectacular kicks masterfully executed by Dacascos helped etch capoeira into many memories. Let’s not pretend teenagers glued to their screens were pondering the metaphor of the roda. Capoeira simply looked incredibly cool on screen! The combination of a tough guy with a gentle heart, determined to steer kids away from crime, made capoeira both authentic and relatable. Even though the story is predictable, you’ll find yourself wanting more because here’s a third truth about capoeira: it’s addictive.
In short, this film was a turning point for capoeira’s journey from Brazil to the world. In fact, you could say the journey began with Only the Strong. Would capoeira have gained global popularity without Sheldon Lettich and Luis Esteban deciding to write a highly unconventional script and take a chance on showcasing a little-known Brazilian art form?Capoeira reached North America in the late 1970s and Europe in the late 1980s. However, its widespread popularity came later, and this film played a significant role. After its release, young people actively sought places to learn capoeira, creating demand and opportunities for experienced capoeiristas from Brazil to establish schools worldwide.
Like a precious treasure, capoeira was carried across oceans, little by little, to every continent. Today, it is practiced everywhere. As with all things of great value, sharing capoeira does not diminish it but multiplies its presence. Brazil will never be impoverished by capoeira, and now it thrives in many other places, continuing to grow as it is shared. Today, capoeira is protected as Brazil’s cultural heritage. Over time, it has also become the world’s heritage, as people across continents embrace it as part of their identity.
Only the strong gave capoeira to the world.
It most definitely gave it to Serbia. The oldest capoeiristas in our country, many of whom are still active today, began chasing the dream planted in their minds by one seemingly ordinary film. Of course, this film is anything but ordinary. It’s fun, lighthearted, a bit naive, and immensely significant to the story of modern capoeira. One wonders if its creators realize the ripple effect Only the Strong set in motion in the early ’90s—a ripple still felt today.
If you haven’t watched Only the Strong yet, I promise you’ll enjoy an hour and a half of great entertainment and maybe even learn something meaningful. If you’ve already seen it, chances are it was 20 years ago—so it’s high time for a rewatch!
