Set in the west-side of Los Angeles fight world Redbelt is the story of Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) a Jiu-Jitsu teacher who has avoided the prize fighting circuit choosing instead to pursue an honorable life by operating a self-defense studio with a samurai's code. Terry and his wife Sondra (Alice Braga) struggle to keep the business running to make ends meet. An accident on a dark rainy night at the Academy between an off duty officer (Max Martini) and a distraught lawyer (Emily Moritimer) puts in motion a series of events that will change Terry's life dramatically... introducing him to a world of promoters (Ricky Jay Joe Mantegna) and movie star Chet Frank (Tim Allen). Faced with this in order to pay off his debts and regain his honor Terry must step into the ring for the first time in his life. [show more]
David Mamet films can be a frustrating experience. As a writer, he has been responsible for several genuine modern classics as diverse as The Verdict, The Untouchables and Glengarry Glen Ross. But the films he has directed himself, while being meticulously crafted and still featuring the unmistakeably sharp writing and melodic dialogue, can nevertheless feel staged. It worked to the advantage of cool The Spanish Prisoner, but arguably to the detriment of amiable comedy State And Main. Redbelt mostly avoids this and so could be Mamet's most accomplished and satisfying work as a director.
It looks like a Martial Arts movie, but they are pure action flicks and Redbelt is a drama first, with a character based plot that occasionally feels like a Hitchcock thriller. It still has the action, but rather than being a set piece, the combat is concise and organic to the plot. It's really very clever because Mamet still builds those scenes through the characters with his usual skill and precision, reminiscent of classic Hollywood, but the choreography and editing is so smooth and dynamic, the film comes to life and avoids the occasional stiffness his work has. Fans of Hong Kong cinema will still enjoy the film, but might be confused by the lack of sound effects, never mind the higher standard of acting!
Chiwetel Ejiofor is perfectly cast as the thoughtful Mike Terry, the Jiu-Jitsu teacher with a code, not unlike a young Mr. Miyagi! His quiet, but firm presence sets the tone of the story and gives it personality. As does Emily Mortimer, who along with Max Martini and Tim Allen (in a rare straight role; he's wasted in comedy!) give solid support as the random figures that unwittingly conspire to undermine Mike's world. The real villains are Mamet regulars Joe Mantegna and Ricky Jay, along with John Machodo. Machado is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt and he isn't the only real expert in the film. If you know the world of Ultimate Fighting or Jiu-Jitsu, there are multiple cameos to spot (the Blu-Ray has substantial interviews and statistics) and they give the story legitimacy, especially in the finale set at the Ultimate Fighting contest, where Mike's training method is being used as a cheap stunt.
It is here, after a messy middle section, that Mamet really proves his skill and plays his ace. The film has turned into a sports tournament movie, like a grown-ups Karate Kid, and despite being theilling stuff, is in danger of suffering the clichés and predictability that genre can't avoid. Yet in the final act, a neat contrivance avoids the obvious, while still giving the viewer the exhilarating and emotional conclusion the story deserves. The brief end note is superb, as it sidesteps any form of exposition or epilogue (another Hitchcock trait wisely used). It's outrageously sentimental, but also underlines the way the story treats the sport with respect and relevance throughout.
It isn't perfect. The shifts in tone can be messy and there may be one too many threads running for too many characters (at least one seems lost by the third act and an important twist is glossed over), but the casts performance is engrossing and Mamet's direction has an assured quality. If you haven't been won over by his style before, this might be the one to do so.
Redbelt is very enjoyable. An unusual, optimistic and satisfying film with a lot of heart that deserves to be known better and it makes a nice companion piece to The Wrestler, though it pales against that films focused story of redemption. But the Blu-Ray is currently available for about £5, so you really can't go wrong!
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Please note this is a region B Blu-ray and will require a region B or region free Blu-ray player in order to play. Set in the west-side of Los Angeles fight world, Redbelt, is the story of Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a Jiu-Jitsu teacher who has avoided the prize fighting circuit, choosing instead to pursue an honorable life by operating a self-defense studio with a samurai's code. Terry and his wife Sondra (Alice Braga), struggle to keep the business running to make ends meet. An accident on a dark, rainy night at the Academy between an off duty officer (Max Martini) and a distraught lawyer (Emily Moritimer) puts in motion a series of events that will change Terry's life dramatically introducing him to a world of promoters (Ricky Jay, Joe Mantegna) and movie star Chet Frank (Tim Allen). Faced with this, in order to pay off his debts and regain his honor, Terry must step into the ring for the first time in his life.
David Mamet writes and directs this drama following idealistic ju-jitsu instructor Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) as a sequence of events leads him to reconsider his long-standing moral decision not to compete in martial arts competitions for cash prizes. An accidental shooting, a bar brawl and mounting debts conspire to force Mike back into the ring.
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