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 Rated: R
Set in the west-side of the Los Angeles fight world, a place inhabited by bouncers, cagefighters, cops and special forces types, Redbelt, is the story of Mike Terry (Ejiofor), a Jiu-Jitsu teacher who has avoided the prize fighting circuit, choosing instead to pursue an honorable life by operating a self-defense studio with a samurai’s code.
Terry and his wife Sondra (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 (Mortimer) puts in motion a series of events that will change Terry’s life dramatically, introducing him to a world of promoters (Jay and Mantegna), and movie star Chet Frank (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. – Sony Classics
This heartfelt storyline of one man’s brave stand for his beliefs had me cheering inside. Even the brutality at times seems to be a caring effort to ward off those who contaminate the main character’s noble sport. But the thing that got to me is that you really never know which characters can be trusted or who’s in on the ‘deal.’
Direction by Mamet (Heist, Spartan, State and Main, House of Games) is solid and pinpoint. He moves his supporting characters in and out of the film, drawing passionate performances from all involved. His molding of Allen into his cunning character Chet Frank has to be his proudest moment.
His decision to choose Allen, known for his comedy, as one of the pivotal dramatic support characters in the film was a gamble, but it definitely paid off. Look for a possible award nod for his acting in Redbelt.
Mamet’s biggest surprise comes with the acting of Ejiofor. Never a leading star (yet you’ve probably seen him in such films as American Gangster, Children of Men, Slow Burn, and Four Brothers) Ejiofor gives, what I feel, his best performance ever, making me a believer in Mike Terry’s fight to rise out of his self-inflicted mire. I am always impressed with his acting, but I’ve never seen him at this level of his game.Â
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tim Allen, Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga, Joe Mantegna
FINAL ANALYSIS: Redbelt is a very good, involving drama filled with a great mixture of rage and compassion.
This Reviewer's Rating:   4 / 5
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