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SYNOPSIS:
REDBELT is the story of Mike Terry, a Jiu-jitsu master who
has avoided the prize fighting circuit, choosing to instead
pursue a life of honor and education by operating a self-defense
studio (with a samurai's code) in Los Angeles. Terry's life
is dramatically changed, however, when he is conned by a cabal
of movie stars and promoters. In order to pay off his debts
and regain his honor, Terry must step into the ring for the
first time in his life.
MOVIE
REVIEW
The last time this reviewer watched a David Mamet
directed movie was four years ago, when he made Spartan starring
Val Kilmer. The picture was highly recommended by a lecturer
and since the synopsis told me that the drama thriller involves
kidnaps and government conspiracies, I thought that this was
an action filled crime movie which I can leave my brains at
the door. But there was a reason why the academic loved this
2004 production: It features what Chicago born Mamet does
best, and that’s a screenplay that intertwines between
action and intellect. And in his latest big screen directorial
effort, Mamet displays that flair again.
This
time, the 99 minute movie centers itself on Jujitsu, a form
of Japanese martial arts which literally means “art
of softness” and consists of several grappling and striking
techniques. Mike Terry (a very solemn Chiwetel Ejiofor) is
an instructor at a Jujitsu school, but does not think too
highly of fighting in the ring. However, when a series of
unfortunate events occur, our protagonist is forced into returning
to the ring to pay off debts and make ends meet.
Viewers
who are anticipating a fast and furious action flick may be
disappointed, because much of the picture is on plot development
and is really a showcase of Mamet’s talent for writing.
The playwright screenwriter’s crisp and memorable lines
are spouted by the many characters in this movie – Mike
Terry says in a very righteous moment: “The hands are
not the issue. The fight is the issue. The battle is the issue.
Who imposes the terms of the battle will impose the terms
of the peace. Think he has a handicap? No. The other guy has
a handicap if he cannot control himself. You control yourself,
you control him.”
Wonderfully
grounded performances are also another highlight of this moral
drama. Other than Ejiofor, expect fine role portrayals from
Emily Mortimer (Lars and the Real Girl) as a shady attorney
who changes the protagonist’s life, Tim Allen (Wild
Hogs) as a movie star who has a showbiz agenda and Alice Braga
(I Am Legend) as a practical wife trying to keep the family
together.
Those
who are trying to figure out why this above average drama
didn’t make it to theatres here, you need not look further
than the amount of smartly written dialogue in this picture.
While movie goers may be looking out for violent and adrenaline
filled action sequences, they may find this too dry and dreary
if they are not in the mood for something brainy.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 DVD contains a substantial number of
special features. The Commentary with David Mamet
and Randy Couture shows how intelligent the director
writer is because he talks about details of how the opening
credits are inspired by the opening sequence of King Lear,
and how women began as hand painters to editors and then eventually
directors through the history of film. Couture, who plays
a commentator in the film, complements him by saying how his
knowledge of film has influenced his works. Behind the Scenes
of Redbelt is a 19 minute feature where the cast shows how
happy they are to work with Mamet, and how Mamet says how
the film is both a Samurai film and an American fight movie.
The 19 minute Inside Mixed Martial Arts tells
us that Mamet was a boxer in school, boxed for a while, and
got into Jujitsu some five years ago, hence the interest in
making this film. In April 2008, a Q & A with
David Mamet was recorded at a public session and
this 26 minute feature has the director writer talking about
how Ejiofor has the looks of a fighter, and the this movie
may actually be a reflection of how things are really like
in the American movie industry. An Interview with
Dana White is a 17 minute feature where the president
of the Ultimate Fighting Championship talks about the history
of the US based mixed martial arts organization and the impact
it has on different fighting styles. The four minute Fighter
Profiles highlights different scenes from the movie
and categorizes the different characters and their fighting
styles. The Magic of Cyril Takayama is an
amusing five minute feature where the Japanese American magician
talks about his art and how it has become a way of life. Included
is also the movie’s Theatrical Trailer.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The
disc’s visual transfer enhances cinematographer Robert
Elswit’s gritty camera work look good, while the audio
track can be switched between English, Spanish, Thai or Portuguese
Dolby Digital 5.1.
MOVIE RATING:
 
DVD
RATING :
Review
by John Li
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