Redbelt

Tonight, in place of the usual C&C, a few of us went to see David Mamet's Redbelt. We all enjoyed it, and I especially liked it. You should not, however, go to this movie if you want

* a fight film
* a realistic depiction of mixed-martial arts training or competition
* a laughfest

Okay, you probably knew the last point already, but the trailers might convince you that the movie would provide the first two.

Rather than being any of those things, Redbelt is a classic reluctant samurai tale set in LA today. At times beautifully underwritten, and with moments of classic Mamet starkly violent emotions, the movie takes you through the temptations the samurai must resist and the obstacles he must overcome.

Until less than five minutes before showtime, we were alone in the theater. Then, four more people joined us. That's it. That Redbelt drew such a small crowd on its opening night is a shame. This film deserves a wider audience.