“Redbelt,” a film written and directed by David Mamet and set in the milieu of mixed martial arts, is about an honorable man who has the courage to remain true to his convictions when circumstances dictate that he choose a more expedient path. Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) runs a martial arts academy where he teaches jiu-jitsu and firmly believes in the philosophy of jiu-jitsu: that competition weakens a fighter, that there is always an escape from a difficult situation. So despite the lure of big money from competitive fighting, Terry refuses, even if it would give him the needed cash to pay his bills. When a distraught young woman (Emily Mortimer) enters his academy one rainy evening, she triggers a string of events that puts all Terry believes in to the test. Along the way Terry meets a fight promoter (Ricky Jay), an actor (Tim Allen), the actor’s wife (Rebecca Pidgeon) and the actor's front man (Joe Mantegna).
According to an interview (http://www.emanuellevy.com), Mamet spent five years training with jiu-jitsu master, Renato Magno and his colleagues and friends, the Machados and the Gracies, where they impressed Mamet with “a vision of the possibility of correct, moral behavior in all circumstances. …it seemed the perfect encapsulation of the hero, and the world of martial arts, the perfect arena for its exploration.” And “Redbelt” is the result of this exploration.
Chiwetel Ejiofor (“Talk to Me,” “Kinky Boots”), new to the Mamet acting crew, is perfect as Mike Terry, projecting sincerity, humility, and a samurai’s code of honor. Brazilian actress Alice Braga plays Terry’s wife with one loving eye on her husband and the other on his severely depleted bottom line. Emily Mortimer’s Laura provides just enough nervous mystery to keep audiences guessing as to how she will ultimately affect Terry. Mamet regulars, Ricky Jay, Rebecca Pidgeon, and Joe Mantegna along with Tim Allen, provide competent support.
The world of mixed martial arts might be the setting for “Redbelt,” but it’s really about the choices a man makes to stay true to his beliefs. There’s enough action to keep martial arts aficionados interested and enough story and character development to keep everyone else interested. However, a Mamet movie requires that you pay attention or you just might miss something important. (5/2/08)
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