851 Reply by Eddie

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Re: Suggest a movie!

That's refreshing to hear.  Not a lot of people do.  Even those in the Jiu Jitsu world are mixed on it.  What's crazy is just how long they wanted to do it.  Renato Magno was my original coach at the Machado Jiu Jitsu school, and almost as soon as he opened his own school, David Mamet became a student.  This was in 1999.  I give Mamet credit for making a good movie that is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as fuck, and using many real fighters (Randy Couture, Rico Chipparelli, Frank Trigg, Johnny Machado, Dan Inosanto) as window dressing.  I also give Chewitel Ejifor a ton of credit...his Jiu Jitsu didn't look horrible in this. 

Cinematically, its very much a Mamet film, but also a throwback to a western or a classic noir in some respects.  A solid little movie.

Eddie Doty

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  • From: Kent, England
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Re: Suggest a movie!

I didn't much like it myself, mainly due to Mamet's insufferably convoluted script. Some of the characters just do rather strange improbable things. Chiwetel Ejiofor's strong central performance keeps it going but personally I don't find the grappling heavy Brazillian style to be that interesting to watch on film.

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere. - Carl Sagan

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853 Reply by Eddie

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Well, as a practitioner of said style, I do like watching it on film, with the caveat that some of the choreo in Redbelt was a bit stiff.  I actually think there is a way to make sub-grappling exciting on film, and have toyed with it in some of the choreo that I do.  I think as MMA becomes more widespread we'll see more examples of exciting grappling exchanges and therefore give choreographers a better frame of reference to choose from.

Eddie Doty

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  • From: Kent, England
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Re: Suggest a movie!

Oh, it can look great, but usually in combination with other arts in a mixed format; acting as a variation on the usual kicking and punching in a fight. Perfect for upping the ante between two combatants. But I think it's quite limited on its own.

There was a recent Donnie Yen film which featured grappling quite heavily, can't remember the title, but it looked great in combination with the usual.

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere. - Carl Sagan

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  • From: Gardena, California
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Re: Suggest a movie!

I liked REDBELT immediately once I realized it wasn't a martial arts movie. It was a movie about martial arts philosophy, a la KARATE KID, but not one you watch for the fight scenes. But of course I'm an admitted kung fu snob when it comes to movie aesthetics.

redxavier: the Donnie Yen movie you're talking about is most likely FLASH POINT. Like you say, I think it works quite well in combination with the usual, well-telegraphed kung fu choreography.

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856 Reply by Eddie

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Re: Suggest a movie!

As a fight fan, I like fights where all ranges are utilized and seemlessly transitioned from and to.  A great stand up exchange with a dramatic takedown, a scramble, near submission, and recovery to the feet is one of the most exciting things to watch, for my money.  I look forward to a day when fight choreographers and performers understand this and can have fights that are not just specifically one thing.

Eddie Doty

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  • From: Kent, England
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Re: Suggest a movie!

I like it. Make it so! How much choreography have you done?

Would you guys consider doing commentaries for From the Earth to the Moon and the Right Stuff?

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere. - Carl Sagan

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858 Reply by Trey

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Trey's Website

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859 Reply by Brian

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Brian's Website

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Brian and Pete Conrad, sitting in a tree.

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861 Reply by Trey

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Trey's Website

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  • Teague
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Re: Suggest a movie!

Those are my two favorite parts. I approve of this fucking message.

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863 Reply by Trey

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Re: Suggest a movie!

That's three, motion carried.

Trey's Website

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864 Reply by Brian

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Brian's Website

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865 Reply by Trey

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Trey's Website

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  • From: Indiana, USA
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Re: Suggest a movie!

Zarban's Website

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  • Teague
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Re: Suggest a movie!

Reach down, God, give Zarban a high five.

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868 Reply by Brian

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Brian's Website

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  • Teague
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Re: Suggest a movie!

I LOVE THIS THREAD TODAY

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870 Reply by Abbie

  • Registered: 2010-11-12
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Re: Suggest a movie!

Another awesome one: Plan 9 from Outer Space.

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871 Reply by Eddie

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Plan 9 is one of those movies that SOUNDS like it would be fun.  Try actually watching it.  My Dad owned it on VHS and the novelty wears off very quickly.  Sorta like the Star Wars Holiday Special.

Eddie Doty

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872 Reply by Invid

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Re: Suggest a movie!

No, it's actually enjoyable which is why it wasn't forgotten. Naturally maybe not for you, though smile

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  • From: Farmington, CT
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Re: Suggest a movie!

I adore Plan 9. The trick is buying the Rifftrax Live version first. wink

"The Doctor is Submarining through our brains." --Teague

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Re: Suggest a movie!

Cloe, Brian and I saw them do that live in San Diego a couple years ago.

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875 Reply by Invid

  • From: Buffalo, NY
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Re: Suggest a movie!

I had an interesting experience with the live Rifftrax of that. I went with my sister to a theater close to her to see the broadcast, and it was the OTHER Buffalo theater that won the national drawing. Ah, well... then, during John Coulton's songs a huge thunderstorm hit and destroyed the signal and that was it for the live feed. We got refunds and had to catch the replay later. So far it's been better for the other ones, although she can't make the Thursday showings anymore...

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