Redbelt (DVD)

As a huge fan of the sport of mixed martial arts, I was a bit apprehensive about watching this film as Hollywood is well known for adding all its glitz and glamour to make films more “appealing” to their audiences. However, I must give credit to director David Mamet who not only directed a great movie but succeeded at creating a film focused on the soul and honor of a mixed martial artist rather than simply on his physical attributes and ability.

Redbelt truly stands alone in the realm of mixed martial arts movies. Although it does have an MMA theme to it, it is hardly an action movie. The storyline was the main selling point of this feature, and although it did have several holes and missing elements, the moral weight of the story and the message that martial arts is much more than just physical discipline is clear.

I give a ton of credit to the excellent cast who all put on strong performances, yet it was underrated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor that carried this film on his back. His intensity as jiujitsu instructor Mike Terry is felt immediately during the opening sequence and you can sense the inner strength and honor of his character throughout.

I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves character driven films. Redbelt was put together very well and progressed smoothly. Just a word of warning, do not expect this movie to be action packed. It is hardly that. If your looking for a good action feature check out martial arts films Tai Chi Master or The Restless. Both of which are excellent in that department.

OT: Randy Couture needs to stop acting period. He was horrible in this film and even worse in Scorpion King 2. Please stick to fighting and promoting events.

Synopsis: Tim Allen and Chiwetel Ejiofor star in writer/director David Mamet’s martial arts drama concerning a jujitsu master who becomes corrupted by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. When a respected jujitsu master (Ejiofor) eschews a lucrative prizefighting career in favor of opening a self-defense dojo, it appears that he has chosen a peaceful path in life. The dedicated martial artist’s fate takes an unanticipated turn, however, when he is manipulated into participating in ultimate fighting championships by a group of unscrupulous actors and fight promoters. Later, as the master is being relentlessly beaten in a dirty street fight, he connects with a high-profile action star (Allen) with serious marital problems. Realizing that the only way to regain his honor is to step into the ring, the jujitsu master reluctantly prepares for the fight of his life. – Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide