Review of Redbelt (2008) by Jay W — 19 Oct 2008

The strength of master scribe but hack director David Mamet's "Redbelt" lies in the winning, grave presence of Chiwetel Ejiofor, who plays his hackneyed role smoothly and naturally. This is a film about the collision of principles and pragmatism, and how in the end they can do not have to conflict. To be truly honorable takes a measure of pragmatism, and dishonesty and greed, which are often portrayed as pragmatic values, can actually make a person do illogical things. "Redbelt" is a quiet film, and it's not a coincidence that its main protagonist follows the most pragmatic of martial arts: the mixed grappling-boxing of Jiu-jitsu, which is more likely to get you through most scraps than any flashy Shaolin or karate boxing.

But "Redbelt" is also a Mamet film, which means lots of twists and turns and people speaking in that initially amusing, but eventually grating verbal staticco, which means everyone is either just BURSTING with honesty or deep into their long-con games. The storyline, if you closely examine it, is pretty silly and doesn't make much sense. Why the hell would a movie star and his entourage drag Terry into their intrigues? To force him to fight? Begging your pardon, but there is no shortage of talented fighters who are ready to compete, and this long-con sting operation could only happen in Film Land.

Yet ironically, "Redbelt" is Mamet's best directed (not best written...that would "Glen Garry Glennross") film because its Mamet trademarks are very restrained and in limited doses. The actors are allowed to speak and act naturally, freed for the most part from whatever strident agenda Mamet shoves into his dialog. In a sense, this is a very un-Mamet movie with its unabashed admiration of the teacher-student dynamic, honor and principles over dishonesty, and general embrace of the simple (but certainly not simplistic) life. The fights are great, and look street natural; I don't know you about you, but I'd rather have a cool-headed jiu-jitsu fighter at my side in a close quarters barfight than some cat busting out his Snake Fist or doing his karate scream. "Redbelt" is a very contrived, but handsome and entertaining film.