Three Stars (Good)
David Mamet's films are all about confrontation, taking the fight to the other guy, though usually in a metaphorical sense.
That in-your-face mentality becomes more literal in "Redbelt," a movie set in the world of martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Of course, the setting is, as in many of Mamet's films, merely a device to set up twists and turns in the story. And before it sort of punches itself out in the last few minutes, it's a surprisingly compelling story, about honor and betrayal.
Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Mike Terry, a Jiu Jitsu instructor whose motto - there's always a way out - will be tested severely. Despite his legendary expertise, Terry refuses to fight in competition, believing it weakens a fighter. Instead, he prefers to train other fighters in his no-frills academy, even though he could use the serious money to be made in mixed-martial arts fighting.
One night, following a session with Joe Ryan (Max Martini), a police officer, a twitchy lawyer (Emily Mortimer) shows up, an accident occurs and a chain of events is set in motion that will indeed lead Terry into the ring - although the manner in which he arrives there is not what we expect.
Along the way, Terry crosses paths with action star Chet Frank (Tim Allen - yes, that Tim Allen), who enlists Terry's help on the movie he's making. He has Terry over for dinner, introduces him to his manager (Joe Mantegna), talks about making him a producer. Even Terry's wife, Sondra (Alice Braga) discusses going into business with Frank's wife (Rebecca Pidgeon).
Suffice it to say that nothing goes according to plan. At times Terry's honor is almost a hindrance, denying him opportunities he might otherwise have taken advantage of. Yet he remains unswayed, often to the consternation of his friends and family. He takes the lessons he teaches to heart.
Many of the usual Mamet suspects are here, including Ricky Jay as a promoter whose sense of honor does not extend quite so far as Terry's. Of special note is Allen. His role is relatively small, but it's about as far from "The Santa Clause" or the man-dog in "The Shaggy Dog" as it's possible to get. His action-star hero is a jaded, cynical movie star, weary of his celebrity. Mamet doesn't do for Allen what Quentin Tarantino did for John Travolta in "Pulp Fiction," but it's definitely a different kind of role for the voice of Buzz Lightyear.
Ejiofor is outstanding, giving a measured performance as a man determined to maintain balance, even as his world closes in on him. Mamet's films are filled with confidence men, hucksters, swindlers. Terry is the opposite. He's noble enough to begin with. In this world, he's practically a saint.
The film loses steam toward the end, even as the fighting heats up. The final bout is somewhat oddly filmed (in part by necessity, though to say why would spoil the surprise), and the story by then is played out.
Still, even with its problems, "Redbelt" winds up as a tale of street-smart optimism, a rather straightforward tale of good vs. bad beneath all the plot twists. Given the context, ain't that a kick in the head?
Rated R for strong language.
7-day Archive
