Review of Redbelt (2008) by Joel H — 05 Oct 2008
A while back director David Mamet wrote one of the most poorly formulated essays on why he was turning against liberal ideology that it made even a fan like me nervous at the thought of what sort of rightwing propagandist offering "Redbelt" would be. Thankfully I was wrong. Redbelt is an incredible fantasy tale in the honourable samurai tradition.
Chiwetel Ejiofor's evocative eyes are used masterfully as a humble martial arts master more interested in honour and loyalty than material wealth.
All around him are the fat, weak, dishonest and decadent children of the decaying American empire (Mamet's thesis in the essay). But the lead character remains true .
Its pure fantasy and the plot takes some really implausible leaps, but the story is powerfully told and well acted. What Mamet struggled to write in his essay he triumphantly portrayed on the screen.
This review of Redbelt (2008) was written by Joel H on 05 Oct 2008.
Redbelt has generally received positive reviews.
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