This is not Mamet's best work. While it does contain deceitful characters and sporadically interesting dialogue, the narrative decisions used to move the story along sometimes lack credibility; and the fighting scenes are peculiarly photographed. However, it does give an accurate representation of jiu jitsu applications, a martial art not typically explored in movies, unless perhaps when dealing with mixed martial arts film. Unfortunately, what little actual fighting there is in this film is not always filmed with the battle in mind, prefering to focus on the people's reaction to the feuding, a shift in emphasis typical of Mamet. While the acting style is a bit less frigid than in previous Mamet pictures, the film just doesn't deliver. The film's climax is downplayed and the reaction of the characters to the final fight seems exagerated in comparison to what we are shown, the lack of entertainment value of jiu jitsu noticeable here. Even if Redbelt offers some interesting scenes here-and-there, they don't seem enough to make up for an unfulfilling and cheesy ending.
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