Critically acclaimed playwright, film writer, and director David Mamet, whose reputation for long-winded and profane, witty dialogues as well as negative and cynical endings, takes a turn with his newest film Redbelt.
The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mike Terry, a Jiu-Jitsu Academy instructor who not only lives but also breathes the code of honor derived from his martial arts background. He is consistently challenged to compromise his moral code for what is presented as mere survival—paying the rising bills of his Jiu-Jitsu Acadmy and a loan his wife takes out for her fashion business.
His only option is to enter a martial arts competition—something he believes dilutes the purity of the art—to win a grand prize that will eliminate the bills and pay off his wife's loan.
What appears to be your typical martial arts, Karate Kid-like competition turns out to be anything but.
Mamet certainly does surprise with this most recent film, adding another dimension to what has become the term Mamet-esque. The cast includes Tim Allen ( Galaxy Quest ), Alice Braga ( I am Legend ), and Joe Mantegna ( Searching for Bobby Fischer ).
Feeds