Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Max Martini | ... | Joe Collins | |
Matt Cable | ... | Academy Fighter | |
Chiwetel Ejiofor | ... | Mike Terry | |
Alice Braga | ... | Sondra Terry | |
Jose Pablo Cantillo | ... | Snowflake | |
Emily Mortimer | ... | Laura Black | |
Cathy Cahlin Ryan | ... | Gini Collins | |
![]() |
Luciana Souza | ... | Singer in Bar |
Cyril Takayama | ... | The Magician (as Cyril Takata) | |
Scott Barry | ... | Billy the Bartender | |
Ricky Jay | ... | Marty Brown | |
Randy Couture | ... | Dylan Flynn | |
John Machado | ... | Ricardo Silva | |
Rodrigo Santoro | ... | Bruno Silva | |
![]() |
Ricardo Wilke | ... | Eduardo |
Is there room for principle in Los Angeles? Mike Terry teaches jujitsu and barely makes ends meet. His Brazilian wife, whose family promotes fights, wants to see Mike in the ring making money, but to him competition is degrading. A woman sideswipes Mike's car and then, after an odd sequence of events, shoots out the studio's window. Later that evening, Mike rescues an action movie star in a fistfight at a bar. In return, the actor befriends Mike, gives him a gift, offers him work on his newest film, and introduces Mike's wife to his own - the women initiate business dealings. Then, things go sour all at once, Mike's debts mount, and going into the ring may be his only option. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
I believe David Mamet did a great job with this film. He managed to show a true art and soul of a real martial artist. This film is not about training, action and competition. It is more about a life of a man who has to challenge his own ideals and manage the turmoil that he is going through. This film is also refreshing due to its Brazilian touch. :-) Casting is great with only one exception - Rodrigo Santoro: I personally don't think he was the right choice for the role he played. Maybe he wasn't "dangerous" enough, don't know, but just didn't fit in right. Otherwise the script is well written and message delivered.
May not be the greatest movie, but definitely deserves to be watched.