Review of Redbelt (2008) by Marcus W — 26 May 2009
If you are looking for a typical formulaic Hollywood fight movie, then don't watch this movie by David Mamet. The guy is a terrific writer for stage and screen and knows how to break formula, this film is no different.
It is a great homage to the old Japanese samurai movies by Kurosawa and also in a sense old westerns. Chiwetel Ejiofor is fantastic as the soulful, mantra speaking, serene, (pun intended for any Browncoat fans out there) do- good-at-any-cost, sensei.
His character struggles through all sorts in this movie and the way all the little things are layered together to make a fantastic whole is credit to the writer. You can see a twist coming, but how its done is great.
The shocks just keep coming. Tim Allen is even decent in a serious role in this and the few fights that take place are all very realistic and actually mean something. Great movie that is more about the story and Mike Terry's (Ejiofor) journey than pointless fight after fight that epitomises Hollywood fight films over the years.
I found this a refreshing change and a great watch. I truly truly hope there is a sequel.
This review of Redbelt (2008) was written by Marcus W on 26 May 2009.
Redbelt has generally received positive reviews.
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