David Mamet's REDBELT Review

One of my favorite Playwright/filmmakers is David Mamet so I could not wait to set my eyes on Redbelt. Did it disappoint?


Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Mike Terry, a ju-jitsu instructor, a man of honor and a set moral code which is put to the test throughout the film. His business is failing but he will not give up, his wife (Alice Braga) is tired of bailing him out and begs him to admit defeat. An incident which involves a distraught woman (Emily Mortimer) shattering his front window, sets in motion a serious of events that will test his honor to the very end. These events include a chance encounter with an aging Hollywood star (Tim Allen) who could be the answer to Mike’s financial problems but this is a David Mamet film remember and nothing is what it seems.



I don’t want to go in to much detail as this is a film that is best watched knowing as little as possible but know this, this isn’t a martial arts film. Although there is a mix martial arts tournament in the film and some very well done fight scenes Mamet is using the philosophy more than the action to drive the film – This is not a modern day Bloodsport! And that’s the point.

Mamet’s regulars Joe Mantegna and the great Ricky Jay are on hand as is his now famous dialogue, though it is toned down. God I could sit in a room and listen to a CD made up of ‘Mamet-speak’, it’s so good. Chiwetel Ejiofor is amazing and you can’t help but believe in his character and feel absolutely gutted at times for him. The directing is simple and clean which work perfect for the type of film – the fight scenes are not over produced or flashy, they are raw and realistic.



For those who are unfamiliar with Mamet’s work may struggle with some scenes that require the audience to make assumptions and connections, he doesn’t feel the need to explain everything, he focuses on the now and what is important to the story. Sure it touches on plot points Mamet has used before but the character study is the focal point here. Can a man hold on to his honor when the world around him is corrupted? Why not check out Redbelt and find out. It’s a must see.
8 / 10

Purchase Redbelt from Amazon
Purchase Redbelt [Blu-ray] from Amazon