Redbelt

Redbelt is directed by David Mamet [Glengary Glen Ross] who also wrote one of my favourite comedies State & Main along with many other modern screenplays you should be familiar with [Hoffa, Ronin and Spartan to name a few].

The film centres around Jiu-Jitsu instructor Mike Terry, played excellently by Chiwetel Ejiofor [Dirty Pretty Things, Four Brothers] whose main devotion is to uphold the name and principles of Jiu-Jitsu and pass on his teachings even at the expense of making money from his lessons.

Although the theme of the film has its background in Jiu-Jitsu, the story is essentially a human drama with key plot points and twists set outside the world of martial arts that returns us to the ring for a gripping finalé although not what you might be expecting.

Terry is the victim of circumstance through his own high standards and the low doings of others and it is this dichotomy that is creates his rise and fall.

Mamet himself is a black belt in Jui-Jitsu which could explain his passion or interest in making this film but his main strength is penning the story and in his work behind the lens.

Mamet has woven a series of stories stemming from a single event that unfold before Terry who is beyond controlling them but whose hand is forced into confronting his steadfast principles - will he hold onto his ideals or sacrifice them for the greater good of others?