Mike Terry (Ejiofor) is the owner of a martial arts studio which is in money troubles with his wife (Alice
Braga) always bailing the business out. Mike has a code of honor that makes him
stay out of competing because he feels it makes him less. A lawyer (Mortimer)
accidentally collides her car into Mike's and she picks up a cop's gun which she shoots out the window of his studio. The cop (Joe) decides not to press charges because as a student he wouldn't want to
bring dishonor to the studio. Mike's wife tells him to get a loan from her brother
to pay for the replacement of the window. The brother runs a bar. Mike finds out Joe is no longer a bouncer at that bar because he was never paid. On the way out after not getting the loan, Mike defends action star Chet Franks (Tim Allen) who has wandered
into the bar without his bodyguard and gets into a fight with another guy at the bar.
Chet sends an expensive watch and an invitation to dinner to Mike. Soon
Mike is helping with Chet's latest film which is set in Iraq.
Everything seems to be going up for Mike and his wife only to find it all tumbling down. The watch is found to be hot when Joe tries to pawn it and Mike must compete in the mixed martial arts
pay-per-view event after a few more events.
REDBELT is another solid film from writer/director David Mamet. The
script and acting are sold by excellent direction. It shows the consequences
and rewards of being honorable. The actions of each character leads to another
action and a few consequences. The film is less about seeing people fight
and more about a man who believes in a high code of honor that many do not share. Mike's
wife tries to make him go in directions to help his business, but he believes honor is worth more than money and fights than
mean nothing. REDBELT proves Mamet is still one of the best writers and directors
in the business. Many people will see other films, but the few who see the work
of a master will be rewarded and feel the impact of his films long after the latest blockbuster has come out.
