Redbelt (2008)

Veteran screenwriter David Mamet directs another contemplative film. Honour is something that is often quickly sacrificed in western culture in order to cash in or avoid responsibility. When a Japanese understanding of the concept confronts Los Angeles culture, we quickly see the power honour has to influence others and the difficulty one has to perserve it.

Mike Terry owns a jujitsu club and teaches the martial art to his devoted students. As a principle, he has decided to avoid using his mastery of the art in competition as he believes it weakens the fighter, but when his life begins to unravel, one competitive fight could turn it all around.

Mamet's characters do not often seem to be multi-dimensional as they seem to personify issues more than complex people. I don't see this as a deficiency, just a unique and strong way of exploring issues.

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