Only the Strong: It Should Have Made Mark Dacascos A Star

[@tomthumbkiller]

Drive (1997) starring decascos is another underrated gem

[@thebrownbaldy]

The original Rush Hour 😅

[@stuartgreen3081]

I was about to recommend this as well. The fight scenes in it are out absolutely incredible.

[@Just4Fun-Zocker]

Still waiting for a BD release of that one.

[@Sahhmi]

@@Just4Fun-Zocker There's a UK UHD of Drive, by 88 Films.

[@Cab0408]

That movie is a certified BANGER!

[@Profess84]

I was just thinking about how underrated Only The Strong is as, I loved it as a kid.

[@slckb0y65]

Crying Freeman is also criminaly underrated. He was absolutely bad ass in that movie

[@tbunny6305]

Wasn't that a anime ,or did they make a live action?

[@RajeshJustaguy]

that is till today one of my favourites. I can still remember the first song title.. Also... his moves in Drive was spectacular.

[@brentbartley6838]

​@@tbunny6305 Yeah, live action version of the anime.

[@slckb0y65]

@@tbunny6305 they did a live action, one of the great manga adaptation imho

[@darksiders2002]

Yes. It is my favorite of his films. Love the manga, love the anime, and love the film.

[@FLOYD.79]

Brotherhood of the Wolf is probably his best movie so overlooked because it's counted as being a foreign movie.

[@jliller]

I didn't see Double Dragon as a kid so Brotherhood of the Wolf, which I only watched because a friend was interested (but which turned out to be pretty good), was my introduction to him.

[@nicholasmesa3588]

All three of these movies were part of my childhood! 😆

[@kwancomics]

For me personally his movie Crying Freeman from the same director (Christophe Gans) ranks even higher, but is mostly overlooked unfortunately

[@PokyBallinBabo]

*DRIVE* 🌪️

[@cwrichardson3]

No way! Only the Strong is the best.

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

When Mark shows up in ANY Movie, I jump right outta my chair and cheer! love this dude!

[@lboogie2897]

No you don't

[@Sicod79]

Only the Strong was fantastic. Just seeing a video on this makes me need to comment.

[@jlotus100]

I was one of the kids that caught this movie on HBO. I loved it. Capoeira is such a beautiful martial art, and I became a huge Dacascos fan after that. Fortunately HBO played a lot of his straight-to-video movies during that era. Every time I knew he was in the movie it was going to be good.

[@shadowleon659]

Mark Dacascos is such an underrated actor who deserved better. What's up with Hollywood throwing asian actors (and those of asian descent) under a bus and doing nothing with them.

[@GooniesNeverSayDie1980]

If the debut film bombed in the box office most of the time the studios wouldn't give a second chance, then came *_Double Dragon._*

[@shadowleon659]

@@GooniesNeverSayDie1980 I see your point. But it's totally unfair on Hollywood's part.

[@Hero11170]

Bull

[@GooniesNeverSayDie1980]

​​​@@shadowleon659 Also Brandon Lee was getting much American attention from 1991 to 1994, *_Showdown in Little Tokyo,_* *_Rapid Fire,_* death and *_The Crow,_* just like his Daddy.

[@JBalderas1990]

I mean…shout out to new line cinema for taking more chances with different movies. They were the canon films of the 90s but way better

[@yurdp]

I was lucky enough to see this in the theater and it was awesome!

[@jusschillin]

Only The Strong and Drive??? Some of the great Mark Dacascos movies of all time. That's all I got

[@jasonho4938]

Add Crying Freeman and it's a home run!

[@jusschillin]

@@jasonho4938 I know some folk would disagree but Crying Freeman ain't all that to me 🤔

[@jasonho4938]

@@jusschillin which is perfectly fine. I enjoyed the cinematography & anime/manga shots of that film, even as it differs from source material

[@jusschillin]

@@jasonho4938 Fasho

[@thegreytone]

​@@jusschillin wow! Crying Freeman is the real deal bro.

[@VikingSamurai]

What an amazing film! Make sure to check out my Only The Strong playlist on my channel for exclusive interviews with the stars and filmmakers of this classic!

[@karltongebler4286]

Love this movie so much, saw it in the movie theater and then pretty much wore out a few VHS copies of it

[@theskyybay420]

I bet the ending scene was fun to watch in theaters with the song. I only wish some of the main actors could have learned more of the moves besides cart wheels and clapping. It was supposed to show the skills his students developed over the year yet a buncha dudes that weren't even in the class or movie did most and the best parts of the demonstration/performance. At the very least they should have got a few body doubles that knew that fighting style. Still awesome!

[@CelestialGatez]

@@theskyybay420 One of the actors (Shay) from the movie wrote a book called "On My Way to Hollywood" and talks about how he got the roll and how the movie was filmed. I loved it! Answered alot of questions and it was a page-turner. Check it out!

[@WARPATH_45]

Met Mark at a Martial Arts Expo in the early 2000s, along with Ray Parks, Michael J White and Steven Segal. Mark and Ray were the only ones that were approachable and actually signed autographs and took pics with fans... Segal was such a douche bag

[@watamutha]

Given what we've all read about SS, that's no surprise.

[@dillpickle5616]

I met mark he talked to me and my friend for 15 minutes about crying freeman and John wick 3 love that guy

[@thegreytone]

Kenjiro Sanga in American Samurai was my first introduction to Mark, then came Only The Strong followed by Crying Freeman and I knew he was underrated.

[@aaronak2005]

One of my childhood favorites! Paranue!

[@dariandavis7228]

He was also in the short lived but greatly underrated Crow Stairway to heaven.

[@intellectic9155]

That's not underrated at all. It's straight up terrible.

[@TimesComingMedia]

and he mention that in the video.

[@thiagots85]

I remember being in school here in Brazil, mid 90s, and people going crazy about this movie, because it was announcing in some channel for late at night viewing. I taped it, but my tape was defecrive, so it had a lot of noise half the movie xD I few months later I finally watched it. Really good movie.

[@tecpaocelotl]

He was also the red ranger leader for the lost pilot for power ranger/bioman. Only the promo exists online. The guy could have been a super star in so many ways.

[@kerry-j4m]

I LOVE this film !!! First saw it on TNT or TBS on a Saturday afternoon,was surfing channels and came upon it and enjoyed the film. Eventually bought it on dvd. No wonder this movie wasn't widely known,no publicity. I'm still a fan of Dacascos,was glad to see him in one of the John Wick films.

[@theOneOnlyTed]

I am still amazed and disappointed that this movie isn't more often hailed foe its qualities. Solid performances from talented performers well directed, edited, and produced.

[@legacyteam5581]

That Gang Leader's brother was the dude at the end of the Black and White video by Michael Jackson!

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

Loved it. And you're right, he should have been a star.

[@MorganBlackwell]

Loved this movie as a kid. Can't see the Mazda commercials without thinking of Only the Strong.

[@amilombanugo8321]

Decascos seems like such a nice dude..as a kid I was addicted to this movie

[@CelestialGatez]

From what I read, Mark was a cool dude. He was instrumental in casting the actor who played "Shay" from what I read in the book "On My Way to Hollywood" by Roman Castle. I think you will enjoy it!

[@benjaminscott8198]

I'm one of the rare people who got to see this in theaters when it came out. I dragged several friends to see the movie the following weekend. Mark Dacascos is a severely underrated actor and martial artist by the general population.

[@supermanscott]

I have been waiting for a sequel for 30 years.

[@johnnysilvercloud4470]

Only the Strong is a classic in my house

[@Joepo76]

This movie is near and dear to my heart. Watched it back in 93 with my two best friends and few others. Only a handful of people in the theater which made a kind of cool. We were loud and cheerful as only 17 and 18 yr olds can be. We often emulated the dance and fight scenes along with the cheesy dialogue. Not a masterpiece by any stretch but more of a guilty pleasure

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

Sometimes I feel like Mark Dacascos would have been a really good Marvel's Iron Fist.

[@KenMasters.]

Iron Fist is white like Chuck Norris.

[@JeremyAustin-hw1qy]

I saw the tale end of only the strong once in the 90s on hbo and i said dang it this looks awesome and then I came upon it once on the fx movie channel on cable TV and I've loved it ever since this was the first movie that introduced me to capoeira and it blew my mind in a good way

[@jadenalvarado4912]

Absolutely this is a film that shouldve had a sequel

[@Just4Fun-Zocker]

My favorite movies with Dacascos are still Crying Freeman and Drive, but this one is defintely among his best.

[@Aragorn7884]

Nice to meet you Mr. Wick 😏

[@ShinRyojin]

This movie is near and dear to my heart as it was my introduction to Mark and Capoeira as I began training in the art in college and to this day on and off. One of my instructoras has a hilarious Silverio impression.

[@haolekoa737]

Mark Dacascos is my favorite martial arts b movie actor. Wish he could have broken through to the big leagues, he deserves it.

[@TurdFergusson318]

I cannot express how much I loved this movie as a kid.

[@larrytm1282]

As far as I'm concerned he is a star...he was in John Wick three and did an awesome job!

[@JediJunkie247]

Absolutely love this movie. It's one of those I caught on TV while channel surfing and watched all the way the way through.

[@richardrude9087]

Thank you for posting this You’re a real santo… Saint😎

[@st.michaelofcigarillo2845]

Mark Dacascos was super talented. The guy could do it all. And in multiple languages on top of that. He really never got a fair shake in Hollywood.

[@derrickhewitt6171]

Me and my brothers loved Only the Strong. I am surprised we didn't hear more from him.

[@Gamerextra1029]

I remember buying the DVD back when I was a teenager because I thought the concept of dance mixed with martial arts (Capoeira) was hella cool. I'd completely forgotten about this movie, thanks for this blast from the past. And you are right about the Teacher Savior trope being meme'd on a lot. "How do I reach these kiiiids?" is one of my favorite lines from South Park.

[@phaze29]

My dad took my bro and I to the dollar theater to watch it. Immediately after watching it,I begged my dad to find capoeira classes for me

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

So he put you in cheerleading?

[@walterhidalgo2112]

Remember watching this on tv a few times. Wish they could do a physical 4k release. Would be instant buy.

[@philipcohen7192]

This movie deserves more attention Paranaue (Ba Na Na Way)

[@LOUISVILLECARDINALS]

This is one of my favorite movies i must've watched it 1000 times when it came out 👍🏾

[@Kresegoth]

Yup, saw it as a kid and it was one of two reasons (the other being Eddy Gordo) I practiced Capoeira during college years. I also managed to find a DVD copy of that movie 15+ years ago and I still own it :)

[@macabidz]

I wish lateef crowder could star in his own movie, or a remake of only the strong?

[@VIRGOLEGACY]

Gotta thank this movie for introducing me to capoeira and mark dacascos

[@danielmcleod6905]

It's because of this movie that I got involved in Capoeira and became really good at it. Hard to find teachers in the US. Especially where I am from.

[@saviordream]

I'm proud to say I saw this in theaters when it released, and I also currently own it on DVD. It's a great film that really should have done better than it did. Glad to know that it's garnered a following in the years since it came out.

[@Striker9]

Bro i loved only the strong!! I remember but seeing Marc for years, and then all of a sudden he showed up on mother in-laws show on food network. 😅so underrated!

[@calvinwoolfolk324]

I always love this movie n plus i said this too its like lean on me with karate mixed with karate kid stuff lol😂😂😂😂😎😎😎😎❤❤❤❤

[@jamescooper944]

Mark has had the Most eclectic and artistic career out of all film martial art stars! I like “Drive “ with Kadeem Hardison. Dancing, singing, and kicking butts.

[@smalltownreviews]

Always loved this movie growing up , i need to watch it again asap 🔥

[@OfficialYounginwell]

Classic. This would always play on cable tv in the early 90s.

[@jonathanblackstone1289]

I completely forgot about this movie. I loved it so much growing up, i would watch it every time it was on tnt or tbs.

[@Intellectual-Warrior9]

Thank you this should be talked about More.

[@trollzone1]

I loved this movie as a kid. The Brazilian street martial arts was a cool change of pace.

[@JumbledEye]

Have always been a fan...I was so happy to see him in the last season of Warrior!

[@Abber64]

Awesome movie! I remember watching this in the 90's and really turned me into a fan of Mark Dacascos. Unfortunately, this movie didn't get the 'Hollywood Push' as other movies in theat genre such as Bloodsport, etc., which really brought out martial arts movies.

[@MrRoda8143]

Dacascos was awesome as the main villain in John Wick 3. I was amused by his line delivery, "Is that, THE DOG?" when he was sitting across Wick in the Continental lounge

[@phillee8262]

Brotherhood of the wolf 🐺 and drive are perfect ❤❤❤❤❤

[@RunMeThrough]

My brothers and I grew up with this movie!!!!! We fucking LOVED it!!!! We used to quote it, act it out, got interested in capeiora and everything about Dacascos. At one point when my youngest brother was a teen, he got into a wrestling match with my stepdad and my middle brother started singing “bah naw naw way” and it gave my youngest brother the strength to win the match!!!! 🤣

[@welfare_baybee]

Me and my jr highschool friend used to quote this movie to each other because it was so obscure and we were the only kids that had ever heard of it so we would go into a whole dialogue and people would look at us like we were weirdos lmao miss that guy Justin Allen

[@TEEN1DOL]

Paco Christian also had a very small role in Lionheart! He fights JCVD inside an empty backyard pool

[@AxelGomezKicks]

Mark Dacascos is one the best martial artist actor. He is also a very humble human being. He actually took his time to right back at me and everyone who comment on his mountain bike or hiking post on Instagram.

[@R3troZone]

I first saw Only the Strong when it debuted on either HBO or Cinemax back in 1994/95. To this day I sometimes find myself humming that Paranaue song.

[@andyzar1177]

I was absolutely obsessed with this movie when it came out! I wanted to learn Capoeira more than any other martial art, rivaled my love for Van Damme. Mark would have made a better Guile in Street Fighter movie.

[@carlredbird3054]

Myy favorite version of the bad school is "the substitute" amazing film

[@stevemoore1219]

This is a great movie and a really good showcase for mark

[@GooniesNeverSayDie1980]

Especially since Mark didn't study Capoeira until a few months before filming.

[@patrickjohnson8888]

Love this movie! You have too review Drive next it’s another classic martial arts film!

[@gsl102008]

My siblings and I used to quote this movie all the time!

[@mouradov79]

The last move in the final fight was incredible

[@WookieeMonster1]

I had the soundtrack several years back. Picked it up after I caught the movie on cable, and it really impressed me (both the film and soundtrack). Lost it at some point when I moved & replaced it. When I lost it again, I figured it was just not meant to be. Still think they are both underrated. 👍🏻

[@StylusShade]

Capoeirista here. What you played at 6:00 isn't "Paranaue," it's "Olelê, O'Lalá."

[@ThaShowStopper]

Holy Shit!!! I'm so glad you did this movie! I literally watched this movie, well over 30 times as a kid alone! I had the VHS & wore it out! It was what introduced me to capoeira! & I didn't know any other kids that even knew about it!? I literally thought I was going to see my man Mark take off in films! Such an underrated and underappreciated movie & Lead Actor! 🤘🏾🫡

[@jordanglasper1064]

Wow I must admit I’ve seen glimpses of this movie back in the 90s. But I was still a child.

[@sirmi9868]

Paranaguehhh, paranagueh,parana🔥🔥🔥

[@LeandroMartinscg]

This movie is a true classic here in Brazil

[@Phan-Xu]

I was in Miami when he was filming ONLY THE STRONG! I was starting high school 10th grade NORTH MIAMI SENIOR HIGH 1992-1994

[@dreamofstuff9125]

Mark is a star! He is the MF Iron Chef, A Single Dragon, A Native Ass Kicker, A Great Teacher, and Masterful Wick Ninja of Comedy. Love 💞

[@phillee8262]

Mark is the greatest of all time ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sman22682]

Such a huge fan of this film and Mark Dacascos. He was awesome as The Crow and Drive.

[@projektxent]

This movie is a classic!!! Another movie that I wish Mark was in: No retreat to surrender.

[@MrBruce5437]

Mark Dacascas is already a superstar before only the strong was released

[@sec9pete]

Mark dacascos is so underrated was and still is a amazing actor

[@skRapKlan]

I remember this movie!! Ahh so awesome!! Thanks for the flashback!

[@phillee8262]

Only the strong should be on 4k 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@chumorgan443]

His star deserved to be so much bigger.

[@WaverBoy]

What, no mention of DRIVE (1997), Mark’s finest hour?

[@JoBloOriginals]

Possibly in a future video - we love that movie

[@jaysons8050]

Wrong! Double Dragon was his greatest role 😏

[@MikeyBats]

I remember catching this when I was a kid on HBO in the mid to late 90s…

[@VengeDracul]

I owned Only the Strong on VHS back in the day. Lost it when I moved to Florida back in 2000. Overall its a good movie.

[@therealmikebrown]

All the displays of capoeira in the 3 movies you mentioned at the beginning are all Lateef Crowder.

[@reygunner1644]

This movie was an extreme success in rentals and vhs. They just didn't count that medium in those days. His best movie was Drive with Brittany Murphy and Kadeem Harelson

[@funkrates4778]

Eddy Gordo was inspired by Only the Strong. The move came out years before the Tekken character first appeared. “Only The Strong” was either 1992 or 93, while Gordo first appeared in 1997.

[@rvajunebug1183]

Watch this the other day on MAX still one of my faves

[@losrajvosa0078]

The best martial artist from the west Mark Dacascos 💪 Movie Drive from 1997 is amazing action movie and probably the best one in that genre

[@divinedelaware7541]

Is this the capoeria bana na waye song movie? Awesome. (Paranaue)🤔😉

[@Steve_P_B]

He was brilliant in The Crow: Stairway to Heaven. He is one of those guys who should have been a big star and signed up to things that should have been big but has just been unlucky.