Redbelt

Year: 2008
Genre: Sports drama
Director: David Mamet


Plot: A jiu-jitsu instructor is forced to take part in a prize bout, against his own principles, when circumstances leave him in a financial quandary.


The gist: This film is written and directed by veteran writer David Mamet, known for penning The Edge and The Untouchables, among others. Redbelt focuses on jiu-jitsu, a martial art that Mamet himself is a master of.

The story follows Mike Terry, a jiu-jitsu instructor who trains and educates his students on the art and some wisdom, mostly for free. Then suddenly Mike finds himself in dire straits after two encounters: one with a lawyer who accidentally smashes his dojo window, and another with a struggling movie star who seeks to hire his services. Eventually his finances take a dive and he's forced to do something he once refused to do: compete in a prize fight. 

The film is actually more philosophical and dramatic than action oriented overall. Mamet focuses his story on the idea that there isn't a situation one can't get themselves out of, which is what Mike tries to impart on his students, and what he has to do when faced with his own troubles.


The good: It has a strong cast, with Chiwetel Ejiofor putting in solid work as Mike Terry. Home Improvement star Tim Allen actually plays it serious here as movie star Chet Frank, and does it well too. Other performances from the supporting cast such as Alice Braga, Emily Mortimer and Max Martini are also worth mentioning.

The bad: The film's execution is as simple as it gets. No lengthy fights, no complicated monologues. Even the final fight involving Ejiofor and the film's villain isn't flashy at all, and is over pretty quick.


Verdict: Redbelt isn't a film for entertainment, but more for drama and philosophy. At best, you can learn something from it. (7/10)