Review of Redbelt (2008) by Hiro P — 22 Sep 2008

One of the overlooked movies of the year. But like it's quiet acceptance into the cesspool of film obscurity (yes, I know, that was very trite of me,) this movie's overall presence, and especially it's hero, is also very quiet; and with that zen-like stillness, forces us to look at honor in a very unassuming way.

To put it simply, this movie is not about fighting. it's about standing up for what you believe in; not just as a societal statement, but as a personal, inner belief, one that reflects outwardly, and is tested often, and in this case, even physically, or especially so.

Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a beautiful performance, again, all in the stillness of his actions, the quiet intensity burning in his eyes, which the camera picks up so strongly. He carries the true belief of the character in every frame, and at no point do we seem him waver from the core of that man. Not once.

Mamet's dialog and style are all at once present and also inescapable; you're pulled into this one from the start, and once he has you, he never lets you go.

I heard a lot of critics complaining about the storyline, and honestly, I loved it. Mamet just gives you a swift kick to the head, that's all.