Redbelt (2008)
Bottomline: You want to see this movie if a) you are big fan of Chiwetel Ejiofor and/or b) you enjoy a cerebral mixed martial arts/kung fu movie.
Who is Chiwetel Ejiofor? He has slowly become one of my favorite actors working today. He brings an intensity and passion to the screen that are simply hard to resist. My favorite Ejiofor role to date has to be his turn as the cold-blooded assassin in Serenity (2005).
Interesting Note: I'm not a fan of the MMA, but for those of you that are, the fighters lined up for this movie read like a fighters' who's who: Randy Couture, John Marchado, Enson Inoue, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Rentao Magno, Richo Chiapparelli, and Dan Insosanto.
Where Can I See This Film? It is available for rent. Take a moment to watch a couple of the DVD extras -- the interview with Mamet is interesting; there is a profile of each fighter featured in the film; and there is a behind the scenes look.
QMR Opinion: This David Mamet written and directed look at the world of mixed martial arts provides a interesting foundation for what essentially is a character study of Mike Terry, a martial arts instructor played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Through a series of incredibly unfortunate events beginning with the fact that his dojo is on the verge of bankruptcy, Terry finds himself having to choose between his principles and his survival. For what is essentially a martial arts film, the pace is incredibly slow as Mamet builds the plot and slowly turns up the pressure on Terry. In addition to seeing the corrupt side of MMA, characterized in a terrific turn by Ricky Jay as a sleazy promoter, we get a glimpse at the sleazy side of Hollywood -- characterized by Tim Allen as a big action star and Joe Mategna as Allen's sleazy agent. In the midst of all this sleaze stands Terry and his desire to do the right thing. You know about mid-way through the film where this is headed (classic Kung Fu movie formula) and, frankly, the end does not disappoint.
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