I didn't know what to expect when I turned this film on.
Then 'written and directed by David Mamet' appeared onscreen and I really didn't know what to expect. I like Mamet's work, even though when I saw his first movie as a young lad I was put off by the unnatural way in which his characters speak to one another quickly without giving the impression they actually listen... more a firing off of personal philosophies. But then I noticed how nouveau-noir his cadence was and began to respect his scheming plots.
Not a natural fit for a marial arts film. Or so I thought. No superhero BS here, folks. This film is about a near destitute jujutsu teacher who becomes a bit of a fish out of water. It is a many layered, mortal story.
Your mileage may vary, but I found this to be an absolute gem and I'm going to go buy it. If anyone else out there saw it, lemme know what you thought of it.
With, may I add, the 'Operative' from Serenity. Chiwetel Ejiofor.
With, may I add, the 'Operative' from Serenity. Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Ever since first seeing Chiwetel in Dirty Pretty Things I was impressed by the dignified way in which he holds the screen's attention with so little facial movement and so few words. Almost James Dean-like in that aspect.