I’m obsessed now. I’m dying to see this. The story really resonates with me, at least what I’ve read. I like that the main character runs a BJJ school in LA but is disturbed by what he sees in MMA. Apparently, he tries to stay out of the comps and maintain his honor, but he gets dragged in. I’m interested in seeing how the movie shows him teaching, running the school, and dealing with the associated problems he encounters.
I’m also a big David Mamet fan. The House of Cards stayed with me for weeks after I saw it. Same with the Spanish Prisoner. How about that Chinese sniper girl with the Texas accent? Mamet writes dialogue like nobody. To see someone of his caliber make a movie about BJJ and honor in martial arts is great. I hear the flick isn’t doing well in the States, and that’s too bad. Maybe the message isn’t appreciated?
6 responses so far ↓
1 Joseph T. Oliva Arriola // May 29, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Dave,
I too love David Mamet. I love his cast of characters, especially Joe Mantanega. I love his insights into the “deceptions” played by those making a “buck”. I saw it last week. I’m dying to here your review.
2 meow // May 29, 2008 at 9:38 pm
man that movie looks aws, i live in nz tho
probably wont get for another 3 - 4 months
3 Dave Chesser // May 29, 2008 at 9:54 pm
We won’t get it in Taiwan. I’ll have to wait for the DVD to come out in the States and get it off Amazon.
4 Joseph T. Oliva Arriola // May 29, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Dave,
If you want my review let me know.
5 Scott // May 30, 2008 at 3:21 am
Yeah, why isn’t this movie a block buster? My non-martial arts partner gave it four starts and she is a tough critic. I guess not everybody appreciates irony. For me it is the best movie of the year, but I’m hoping that Zohan will upstage it.
6 Joseph T. Oliva Arriola // May 30, 2008 at 3:46 am
OH good…someone has given a “blockbuster rating”. Now I can tell how I felt about it.
1. hated the martial arts
2. hated the idealistic dribble
3. hated the stereotypes
4. disappointed in Mamet’s screenplay
5. disappointed in the pacing and direction
6. worse for the acting
Well then, no offense to “you guys” who liked it. Some of us are green and others are red. So, Dave, you get to decide for yourself. And if you don’t like “Red Belt” you won’t be disappointed when you get your hands on the tape.
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