Redbelt

[Brian in Mesa]

Redbelt

Release Date: May 2, 2008 (NY, LA; expands: May 9)
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Director: David Mamet
Screenwriter: David Mamet
Genre: Action, Drama
MPAA Rating: R (for strong language)
Website: Redbelt

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alice Braga, Tim Allen, Emily Mortimer, Rodrigo Santoro, Rebecca Pidgeon, Randy Couture

Plot Summary: Set in the west-side Los Angeles fight world, a world inhabited by bouncers, cage-fighters, cops, and special forces types, "Redbelt" is the story of Mike Terry (Chewitel Ejiofor), a Jiu-jitsu master who has avoided the prize fighting circuit, choosing to instead pursue an honorable life by operating a self defense studio with a samurai's code.

Terry and his wife Sondra (Alice Braga) struggle to keep the business running to make ends meet. An accident on a dark, rainy night at the Academy between an off duty officer (Max Martini) and a distraught lawyer (Emily Mortimer) puts in motion a series of events that will change Terry's life dramatically introducing him to a world of promoters (Ricky Jay, Joe Mantegna) and movie stars (Tim Allen). Faced with this, in order to pay off his debts and regain his honor, Terry must step into the ring for the first time in his life.

You must be registered for see images

 

[General Chaos]

I just saw this movie and thought it was the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. I left the cheap theater laughing.

 

[Gaddabout]

David Mamet remains an enigma to me.

 

[Mulli]

I would rather watch Bloodsport or hundreds of other fight movies about a guy who doesn't want to fight being forced into it.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Wow, am I the only person who likes this film?

 

[Louis]

No. I thought this movie was excellent. Ejiofor, IMO, is a top notch actor. I thought he was the best part of American Gangster, his acting in this movie made the film, he was also good in Talk To Me and Children of Men.

Tim Allen was also pretty solid in this movie.

 

[PortlandCardFan]

I liked this movie. It isn't your typical MA movie. Kind of had an artsie feel to it (non-hollywood).

 

[Chaplin]

Wow, am I the only person who likes this film?

Nope, it was a very strong character study of a movie. People going into it thinking they're going to see a bunch of fighting or a Rocky-like film are fooling themselves.