Review

Review Date: 11-May-08
Spoiler Rating: Medium
Juju Judgment: Junk

Redbelt (2008)

Two words suffice to explain my attraction to "Redbelt:" Chiwetel Ejiofor. This British up-and-comer is so replete with talent and charisma that his presence, especially in a starring role, makes the price of admission seem a safe bet. Two words also suffice to describe my opinion of this movie. Unfortunately, those two words are "horse shit."

That "Redbelt" stinks is no fault of Ejiofor. The blame lies with playwright-turned-filmmaker David Mamet. Taking a core idea which is, coincidentally, similar to that of this week's "Speed Racer," Mamet drags out a muddled tale of nobility which insures a viewer's detachment. It is confusing, improbable, and poorly fitted together, not to mention marred by dialogue which asks the actors to repeat themselves unnecessarily. To repeat themselves unnecessarily!

The leaden yarn follows a martial arts instructor who eschews competition and financial matters while focusing on honor and craft. He stays afloat with the help of his wife (Alice Braga), but the slightest misstep might topple him — figuratively, of course, because he is an indomitable fighter. The misstep kicks off with the bizarre appearance in his dojo of a troubled lawyer (Emily Mortimer) whose function is to grease certain rough spots in the plot. These involve the instructor's attempts to help a friend (Max Martini) and unexpected meeting with a movie star (Tim Allen) connected to the profitable world of professional fighting. Crafty shysters typically played by Ricky Jay, David Paymer, and Joe Mantegna crop up to deliver messages of corruption that threaten to overwhelm the hero. After a series of incidents which suggest that he is being set up (and then, strangely, don't), Ejiofor finds himself heading into the arena to compete for money and obligation. This in turn allows him to fight for the dignity of his sport in front of thousands of fans and a wizened old man who is not properly introduced and holds the red belt which is not properly defined. This symbol is, apparently, the end-all, be-all of noble achievement, and I was able to appreciate it for signaling the completion of this dreadful film.

Copyright © 2008 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.