A modern samurai tale.
- Redbelt review by CP Customer
This is one of Mamet's most accessible films to date, and it initially seems a surprising choice to set it in the world of MMA, but perfectly suited to his trademark themes of power, corruption and the fight of the little man against the great and corrupt. Mamet's stylised dialogue is there too, repetitive and emphasised sentences, punchy and powerful- as with all Mamet productions the words speak louder than the action, although there are enough well choreographed fight scenes and plot twists to keep us entertained. Chiwetal Ejiofor provides a solid, calm centre to the whirlwind of accidents, deceptions and tragedy around him, and effectively portrays a proud, principled Ronin figure. Excellent support from Emily Watson too, and it's a pleasure to see the leads dealing well with Mamet's unusual verbal constructions. A couple of things let the film down, however- the somewhat confused and confusing ending feels as if much that would make sense of it was left on the cutting room floor. Also, some of the portrayals of the corrupt characters are a little cliched (sharp suited, slick haired latinos for example). That said, overall it is a satisfying film, with great performances. One for Mamet fans and anyone who enjoys and intelligent drama.
2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Disappointing
- Redbelt review by CP Customer
Not much good fighting, unbelieveable characters, slow questionable plot, and rubbish ending which was completely unrealistic. Chiwetel Ejiofor was the only good thing in this film.
1 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Poor movie
- Redbelt review by CP Customer
Poor movie with poor acting, we couldn't even finish the movie as we didn't like it at all. we certainly would not recommened this rental.
1 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
Mugs Game
- Redbelt review by Steve
This was a box office bomb and the problem is obvious; it's a David Mamet film about US mixed martial arts. So, will the arthouse crowd buy a ticket for a story about showbiz sport? Alternatively, are fans of ringside razzle-dazzle going to sit still for an allegory on the iniquities of American capitalism?
Well, no and no. But for those on the first half of that conundrum this may have been a win-win. This is a pretty decent Mamet drama about the struggle of a virtuous practitioner to stay aloof from the sleaze and corruption of the moronic inferno. Plus he's also brutal on sport as a fake spectacle for tv.
This isn't a Rocky (1976) ripoff. It's not entirely successful- and feels cut down from something more complex- but it's fun to hear the Mamet-speak around the fight game. And Chiwetel Ejiofor is engaging and charismatic as an honourable redbelt forced into the phoney MMA circus when his life implodes
Mamet practices jiu-jitsu, which hardly matters in terms of combat, but may have inspired the stuff about the code of the warrior. Or it was lifted from a Japanese Samurai film. It's long on chat and short on action and Redbelt 2 will never be made... But the cool pessimism may appeal to noir aficionados.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.