Redbelt (2008) Review

“Redbelt” American Theatrical Poster

Director: David Mamet
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tim Allen, Alice Braga, Rodrigo Santoro, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Randy Couture, Caroline de Souza Correa, Mike Goldberg, Damon Herriman, Dan Inosanto, Enson Inoue, Ricky Jay, John Machado, Ray Mancini, Joe Mantegna, Max Martini, Emily Mortimer
Running Time: 100 min.

By JJ Hatfield

Red Belt is truly an exceptional martial arts movie. It achieves this distinction by focusing on one quiet, unassuming man and, in doing so, beautifully enlightens the viewer to the true art of Jiu-jitsu. However, the lesson it serves up is not so much about mixed martial arts as it is about integrity, righteousness and, most of all, honor. This is not a film packed with bone crunching, wall to wall, blood spattered beatings. If that is your only interest in martial arts, then don’t bother watching Red Belt – its meaning will elude you.

Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is the owner of a Jiu-jitsu school on the less affluent side of Los Angeles. It is here that he trains his students not only in martial arts and self defense, but also imparts the principles of the Samurai code. Mike is a unique individual who embodies the teachings of the art he has dedicated his life to learning and passing on to others. He is also a man who exemplifies virtue and decency.

The movie opens with three marbles being placed into an army issue cup. There are two white and one black. In a fight, if you draw the black marble, you are given a handicap. It might mean you are limited to using only one arm, no arms at all, or even that you must fight blindfolded. That sounds like an unfair disadvantage, with the fighter who picks the black marble most likely to lose. However, as Mike is quick to remind the two men standing before him, there is no situation you cannot turn to your advantage. As the fight continues, Mike coaches them: control your emotions; when you control yourself, you control your opponent; a man distracted is a man defeated. It is abundantly clear these are not mere platitudes. Nor do they apply only to a physical battle. These and other teachings of Jiu-jitsu form the cornerstone of Mike Terry’s existence.

The Jiu-jitsu academy reflects its teacher; both are unpretentious. The students are fiercely loyal to Mike and believe in the Samurai code. However, the school isn’t making much money, so Mike’s wife, Sondra (Alice Braga), supports both them and the school with her fashion design business. After an encounter involving a lawyer, Laura Black (Emily Mortimer), and a cop, Joe Collins (Max Martini), events become increasingly byzantine. When Mike becomes concerned about Joe, he goes to a bar where Joe had been employed. A fight breaks out, and Mike comes to the defense of an over the hill action movie star named Chet Frank (Tim Allen). In gratitude, Frank invites Mike and Sondra to his home for dinner. While Sondra and Frank’s wife, Zena (Rebecca Pidgeon), discuss fashion and a potential business venture, Frank questions Mike about Jiu-jitsu and, more specifically, competitive fighting in the ring. Mike elaborates on the tenets of martial arts in general and Jiu-jitsu in particular. He tells Frank that competing for money weakens the fighter and that he does not believe it is in harmony with the Samurai code. Before long, Frank wants Mike to become a co-producer on the war movie he is currently shooting. Life is good; however, complications soon arise. To maintain that good life, Mike may have to compromise his principles and way of life by stepping into the fighting ring.

Red Belt is a multifaceted movie. It requires the viewer to pay close attention to how the story unfolds. Seemingly simple conversations and actions carry crucial significance. Even the way Mike Terry moves and speaks conveys much more than what is written in the script. When someone asks Mike what the best weapon in the world is, he responds, “A flashlight, so you can look deep into the other guy’s eyes.” Perhaps not the most poetic turn of phrase, yet it speaks volumes about Mike’s character. He is a gentle spirit but never hesitates to step in when he witnesses an injustice. A noble warrior, he personifies all that is good and virtuous. His ideals crash hard against the greed of the modern world, which threatens to overwhelm the true art of mixed martial arts.

The origins of Jiu-jitsu date back to the days of the Japanese Samurai, although its actual creator remains unknown. One theory suggests it was developed for an unarmed individual who had to fight an armed opponent. It is highly likely that numerous teachers added their own techniques and refined the art over time. Combining aspects of Judo, Karate and other martial arts, Jiu-jitsu eventually gained widespread popularity in the West through Brazil.

The writer and director of Red Belt, David Mamet (The Postman Always Rings Twice, Glengarry Glen Ross, Hannibal, Wag the Dog – screenplays), is not only highly skilled at writing and directing, but is also a devotee of Jiu-jitsu, having studied it for five years. Mamet sought to bring the heart and soul of Jiu-jitsu to the screen, and he triumphed. Red Belt succeeds for several distinct reasons. Chiwetel Ejiofor (Dirty Pretty Things, American Gangster, Salt), who was nominated for Best Actor by the Black Reel Awards for his portrayal of Mike Terry, brings absolute authenticity to the role. Not for a second is there any doubt that he embodies both the physical grace and spiritual discipline of a master. Combined with Mamet’s dedication and his inspired decision to cast real fighters, the result is a truly special piece of filmmaking. The story builds deceptively slowly so that, by the third act, the intensity is almost overwhelming.

Red Belt is a fine film that will satisfy both martial artists and anyone simply looking for an excellent movie. And what of the red belt of the title? For the answer to that, you must see this film—and you won’t be disappointed.

JJ Hatfield’s Rating: 9.5/10