Red Belt

This is, of course, not just a jiu-jitsu movie. It is a story about character, and how it is difficult to be true to yourself if your honor is not making you any money. Chiwetel Ejio gives a masterful, controlled performance as the martial arts studio owner who, by a twist of fate, saves the life of a movie star, played wonderfully by the unlikely Tim Allen. Ejio unwittingly gives up a money making idea which is stolen from underneath him. Though, in our hearts, we know that Chiwetel's character would never actually DO that himself, we are also angry that this man has had his idea pilfered-in typical hollywood fashion. It's a David Mamet film, so the dialogue is said in his stylisticly choppy, almost without emotion, fashion. It's annoying, but the film is so interesting you can get through it. I don't think it has gotten the audience it should have, so it'll be out on DVD soon. I think this is the start of a good dramatic career for Tim Allen- he is no longer puckishly cute and it works for him. I'd highly recommend this film.