Martial artist Mike Terry lives by a strict code of no competitions, for he feels that such contests weaken fighters. After saving a famous action star from a brutal attack, Mike takes a job in the film industry. He soon finds his personal beliefs and integrity on the line as circumstances force him to participate in a prize fight.
The plotting is contrived, the supporting characters two-dimensional, and the ending slides from predictable to absurd to maudlin.
– Ben Walters,
Time Out,
26 Sep 2008
fresh:
What is memorable is the film's portrait of a man of honor in a sleazy world, possibly a metaphor for the struggle of the artist to stay honorable in a world of backbiting, betrayal and hunger for easy money.
– Stephen Hunter,
Washington Post,
9 May 2008
fresh:
The glue that holds it together is Ejiofor's muscular performance as a man whose principles may be about to feel the brass knuckles of reality.
– Peter Howell,
Toronto Star,
9 May 2008
fresh:
David Mamet's take on the trendy new world of mixed martial arts is a gem not quite like anything I've seen before a" a smart, absorbing, anti-Hollywood, hypermacho look at what it is to be a true martial artist and a man.
– Mark Rahner,
Seattle Times,
9 May 2008
fresh:
Mamet's love for the sport comes through in every frame.