An orphan terrorized for his family's political beliefs, young PK turns to his only friend: a kindly, world-wise prisoner (Freeman) who teaches him how to box. "Little beat big when little smart." the prisoner tells Pk. "First with the head, then with the heart." Living by those words, PK (Dorff) fights with his fists and leads with his heart as he grows to manhood. He takes on the system and the injustices he sees around him - finds that one person really can make a difference.