Redbelt Reviews
Critic & User Reviews
Critic Reviews
The film unravels a bit in the last few moments, amid unanswered story questions and a simplistic climax, but until that moment, Redbelt is Mamet's richest film of the decade.
Read the full reviewMamet regulars Ricky Jay and Joe Mantegna blend well with Mamet newbie Tim Allen, a treat as a spoiled-rotten aging Hollywood action star.
Read the full reviewA satisfying, unexpectedly involving B-movie that owes as much to old Hollywood as to Greek tragedy.
Read the full reviewAs the heart and soul of the film, Chiwetel Ejiofor once again impresses.
Read the full reviewEjiofor brings a calm magnetism and a beatific serenity to his roles that have the effect of knocking you flat -- there's something about this guy that's messianic.
Read the full reviewMamet is on his game, and that is a sight to see. No con.
Read the full reviewIt's certainly not Mamet's signature rapid-fire dialogue, but it's an intriguing and engrossing departure.
Read the full reviewEntertaining in a pulpy kind of way, like the fight films of the 1930s and '40s, and more accessible than most of Mamet's movies.
Read the full reviewWhat Redbelt reminded me of more than anything else was a modern version of a classic film noir, particularly 1950's brilliantly seedy "Night and the City," with its pro-wrestling subplot.
Read the full reviewWhat is memorable is the film's portrait of a man of honor in a sleazy world, possibly a metaphor for the struggle of the artist to stay honorable in a world of backbiting, betrayal and hunger for easy money.
Read the full reviewAn absorbing and colorful, if not particularly convincing, excursion into a demi-monde of fighters, scammers, promoters and self-styled modern samurai, Redbelt gives the impression of Mamet coyly toying with the idea of making a populist little-man-against-the-system sports melodrama without actually attempting to create a film for the masses.
Read the full reviewThe plot is borderline ridiculous and certainly doesn't stand up to close (or even not-so-close) scrutiny, but there's a level of entertainment to be had watching it unfold in all its strangeness.
Read the full reviewReview excerpts provided by Metacritic.com.
The Metascore® designation for this movie is 69
User Reviews
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Underestimated film
"I haven't seen too much advertising for this film but I am into MMA and I wasn't disappointed with this movie. I think the movie should have been fleshed out a little more, because it attempted to bring to MMA what the Rocky Series did to boxing. You feel for the main character because he's honorable and has a good heart, even though he is put into some trying situations. The ending isn't confusing unless you're not paying attention. Just remember that in the movie it is stated that there is only one red belt."
Red Belt???
"Based on Mamet's name alone, I figured this movie had plenty to offer (story, acting, etc.), but it was HORRIBLE! By far one of the worst films I've ever seen, crap acting, crap directing, crap story. Save your money and avoid this like the plague!"
Nearly in tears
"I have NEVER been as disappointed by a movie, which led me to write this first-ever review. I'm a huge fan of the genius Mamet (House of Games, Glengarry Glen Ross, Spanish Prisoner, and on, and on) and a huge MMA/Jujitsu fan since the earliest UFC's with Joyce Gracie. But this movie is simply terrible---indecipherable plot, weak motivations for many character actions, almost completely lacking in Mamet's trademark halting yet brilliant dialog, and containing inane contrivances like the ridiculous fight rules in the tournament. David Mamet---have you lost your mojo? SAY IT AIN'T SO!!! Don't waste your money on this, nor even any time watching on free TV. Big letdown...huge."
What was that?
"The opening scene made this movies look promising. After the first 15 minutes this film went down hill fast. I have been into the martial arts for 23 years and enjoy an underdog, but there isn't an underdog in this film. There was tons of un-needed drama added to this film that didn't add to the plot at all. Never back down was better then this and that isn't saying much. There was no honor, meaning or martial arts training in this movie that would make it worth paying your hard earned money to view. Save yourself the money and you valuable time and wait until you can see it on dvd (if that).I was totally disappointed. 2 thumbs way down!"
True Bushi film
"I enjoyed the movie very much. Being a fan of Mamet's other projects such as The Unit and Spartan (great flick) and a person who is involved with the Martial Arts, I was curious to see how he'll tackle Jujutsu and a UFC type of plot. I thought the main characters opinion of the UFC type of competion was beliveable because thats what true "BUSHIDO" is about. If your into MMA and all that HYPE your not going to enjoy this movie. But if your wondering why some people truly train, then you'll enjoy this movie. Good plot and a question mark for an ending, but it will keep you entertained."
Great Beginings
"This was another one of those movies I have seen lately which has a great begining and leaves you sitting in your seat at the end, wondering what and why. Chiwetel Eifofor was a revelation in the lead role. I didn't like the ending, but the first part of the movie was well worth the price."
It's no UFC
"Being a big fan of MMA, the good reveiws of this by the critics got me interested. It was a big disappointment. I thought the plot was disjointed, and the fight scenes were few and far between. The rules of the final tournement were ridiculous. This movie gets a thumbs down from me."
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