Don’t miss “Redbelt”. But, when you sit down in the theater, make sure you have a good seat belt (regardless of the color).
“Redbelt” is another David Mamet film that will excite and put you on the edge the entire time.
Granted, you have to like the Mamet style of film making, and in this instance, you have to have some interest in the philosophy of martial arts. The emphasis on maintaining martial art’s original philosophy is what sets this film apart from others on the same subject.
Mamet’s dialogue is very quick, repetitive and raw. Transitions between and within scenes are fast. You have to be very attentive. Some filmgoers will remember Mamet’s “House of Games” and the “Spanish Prisoner” films. He is a very unique filmmaker.
Turns out that Mamet is something of a martial arts fan and participant, and that is another aspect that makes this film all the more realistic.
The other part is the Brazilian/Japanese connection. This refers to the highest concentration of Japanese people outside of Japan itself, Sao Paolo, Brazil.
“Redbelt” is held together by the amazing acting performance of Chiwetel Ejiofar, an English actor of African descent who demonstrates a flawless California accent. Ejiofar did an incredible performance in “Pretty Dirty Things,” the gripping film about the unlawful international trading in human organs.
Most of the Mamet ensemble is back together again in this one, led by Joe Mantegna, Tim Allen and Rickey Jay. Another English actor, Emily Mortimer, plays a lawyer. Alice Braga plays Ejiofar’s Brazilian wife. Braga is the niece of the talented Brazilian actor, Sonia Braga.
This film will end up within the Academy Awards orbit. No question, Ejiofar will be high on the list.
Rebecca Pidgeon created the music for the film. The score and lyrics are an excellent mix of Brazilian lyrics and music with local sounds of California. Pidgeon also sings a couple of songs she wrote, including one with her husband, David Mamet.
Let the Oscar contest begin.
Comments