Review of Redbelt (2008) by Mateusz Z — 01 Oct 2008

In Redbelt Mamet achieves to do something of a miracle- direct a martial arts movie which not only avoids cheap claptrap, but also steers clear of cliches and keeps a very realistic and low key stance in dealing with an extremely spectacular topic.

The screenplay and dialogue is top notch, as expected from Mamet. What's more important, the director avoids falling into self-indulgence, keeping the writing as toned down as the rest of the film.

In effect we get a gritty treat with some great performance. The only problems one might have with it us the sudden abandoning of characters in the middle of their plotlines and the surprisingly dream-like ending.

But even this can be justified- concentrating on the character of Ejiofor and not digressing adds further to the realism of the movie, while in contrast the ending, which will undoubtedly be deemed 'unrealistic' by some, adds an unexpected touch of lyricism to the climax of the film.

Finally, even Mike Terry's persistent and at times superflous lessons on his moral code manage to not get irritating, as they are covered deep under the plot turns and twists. On the whole, Redbelt is a real tour-de-force by Mamet who seems to feel very at home telling stories of men living out of their time.