Jon Peters Reviews: “Redbelt (Blu-Ray)”

I’ll tell you up front right now, that if you were going to go see ‘Redbelt’ for some awesome fighting scenes, you will be disappointed. Those going because of the writer/director David Mamet might be pleased, since some of his filmmaking trademarks are here, but those people who go because the idea of a thinking man’s martial arts film intrigues them will be rewarded fully.

The martial arts genre seems to come with a recipe for success like all genres do. Most of their stories revolve around schools and a rivalry. Some involve one school taking out the other school’s master and it comes down to that school’s master pupil seeking revenge and getting it and some recent ones might just be a ‘Rocky’-like story, from a nothing to someone. There’s some variation, I know, but those are some of the more used conventions in the genre. But the thing these films had was clever and outrageous action scenes because they had to deliver the thrills. Most of them were imports from China, like the Shaw Brothers or American produced yarns, either way expect some chop sockey.

In some ways that’s why we watch them. Growing up I saw Jean-Claude Van Damme films numerous times and as I got older I worshiped ‘Enter the Dragon’, 36th Chamber of Shoalin’, and ‘Five Fingers of Death’, heck, some of these reasons were why I saw ‘Kill Bill’ opening night. But of all those reasons, ‘Redbelt’ isn’t one of them and that’s one of the reasons I really liked this film.

David Mamet is known within the film world for writing about characters that get screwed over, maybe even multiple times, characters trapped in an immoral world, and witty, vulgar, snapping dialogue. So for some, initially, a Mamet-directed mixed martial arts film seemed weird or odd. Secretly, Mamet is fascinated by this world as he has studied jiu-jitsu and currently holds a purple belt. All of these things are in here and to some varying effect that will please the basic Mamet fan. The plot involves Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his jiu-jitsu school and his training to his small group of students. Through some interlocking events, Mike’s life spirals towards corruption and into debt. His only way out it seems is to take part in what he is against-sports combat.

Of course, there’s plenty of layers of corruption and some curveballs, courtesy of Mamet. What on paper sounded like a martial arts ‘Rocky’ in fact isn’t and prevails for that reason alone. The film is as sure and steady as a samurai. Mike practices what he preaches. ‘There’s always a way out’ and ‘The hardest step is to leave the outside world out’ become the two basic themes of the film through every obstacle and encounter he faces with other characters. This is what I loved about the film. Mamet makes Mike like a wise old owl and while other writers would have had Mike buckle down in fighting for cash, and you certainly couldn’t blame him as his wife owes $30,000 to a loan shark, his academy is barely making ends meet, and like his wife’s brother says ‘You addicted to poverty’, but Mike never gives in. Even when you think the film is going to go in that ‘Rocky’-like satisfying climax, the film doesn’t betray Mike’s beliefs.

Mike is a pure man. He believes in good deeds no matter the circumstances, but as his wife states, ‘Purity doesn’t put food on the table’. It’s no spoiler that he goes into a Mixed Martial Arts tournament (think UFC) for the cash prize, but even here his ideals and purity stand up. Mike fights a different fight, one that is harder than fighting a champion. He’s fighting being caught up in corruption at any level and staining his soul. The film delivers the climax in a realistic jiu-jitsu showdown (note how Mike never uses offensive blows, it’s always defensive) and the final moments show the glory unexpected to even Mike for his battle against corruption.

The film is one you must pay attention to and one that is for people who like and want to see a martial arts film about philosophy and ideology over kung fu action. Your time invested is rewarded, I think due to Ejiofor’s great performances and Mamet’s use of a narrative rooted in philosophy and ideals over thrills.

The Blu Ray:

Audio/video: Colors are bright, blacks are deep and dark, and there are no flaws with the transfer. The stunning 2.40:1 aspect ratio looks better here on BD than in the theaters. The audio is dialogue heavy, but look for a nice rich mix. Bass comes from the few fights and the score, while the rear are mostly quite until the climax at thee Championship Match bout. Good surround sound mix.

Audio Commentary: Mamet is joined with Randy Couture, with each participant giving good info on filming and fighting. It’s a decent track for both MMA and filmmaking fans alike.

Behind the Scenes of Red Belt: This is a fluff piece about how everyone loved working with each other and whatnot. Skip it; you aren’t missing much.

Inside Mixed Martial Arts: About twenty minutes are the history and philosophy of the sport, with Mamet showing off some moves!

QandA with David Mamet: For those who dislike commentaries, this is the disc’s best extras with Mamet giving info about his ideas and wants for the film and other technical advice. Good stuff, but the only extra not in HD.

Interview with Dana White: This features the current President of UFC, with him talking about the history, is involvement and the sport in general. Good, fluffy stuff for UFC or MMA fans.

Trailer, Fighter Profiles, and a glimmer of magic with Cyril Takayama round out the extras and are pretty much filler.

This is a superb MMA drama, with a great performance by Ejiofor. The Blu Ray is top-notch to making this an easy recommendation for those interested.