MovieChat Forums > Art of Submission (2013) Discussion > My Review on The Red Canvas

My Review on The Red Canvas


This movie was shown about 5 times or more last year at AOF FF in Pasadena to a packed house each time, my director watched it first and was not thrilled, however he is not an MMA fan, so I wanted to get my own opinion.
I unlike him am one of those many people who are pretty much addicted to MMA, so I went into this movie with high hopes that they would not dumb down the technical side.
After watching RC, I can truly say I was pleased! First off, the production value was excellent, this was filmed on a RED so the picture was just as vivid as can be, the fight scene were nicely choreographed and the acting was more then passable by most.
The only problem that I really had which might have been swayed by my director was the storyline. The best way I can describe RC was Karate Kid of the 21st century, the plot was simple and the character development was done well.
Even though the storyline was pretty soft, the fight scenes were so excellent! Some of the fights were so technical, with counters, and submissions that you can tell that they had some real experienced fighters and technicians on set to work out all the details which was really refreshing.
I give kudos to the creator of the story, just because MMA is so huge right now; it's a great way to capitalize on the franchise.
Overall this movie could have been a great movie if they would have done a little more with the storyline, however still very enjoyable.
I had a chance to meet with the director for a quick second after the screening, he unfortunately was kind of busy, however I was able to get a couple seconds with one of his producers who was really cool as we conversed for a while, he was very pleasant and knowledgeable on the project; maybe he should be the front man?
Besides that I would recommend RC to just about everyone, and especially people who are into MMA, as one review I saw mentioned, this is the best MMA movie out there, well I agree.
***1/2/*****

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I'm hoping they get the fighting right. I'm a 1 stripe purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu out of Gracie Barra, train some Muay Thai and have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Its hard to watch some movies because the fighting is soooooo ridiculous and unrealistic for me because I know what real is.

Now sometimes I can handle over the top..but it has to be entertaining like Tony Ja's stuff for example. But I would really like to see a realistic MMA movie. I dont know why they cant choreograph a realistic fight with real moves without flying kicks, summer saults and flyiing double arm bars. lol.

Look at this fight...this was so awesome it looked like it COULD of been choregraphed...it had incredible submission attempts and amazing escapes...it was beautiful...why can't hollywood make fight scenes like this in a movie? Hell they could almost copy this fight move for move and it would be amazing. All you would have to do is remove the slower parts, throw in some slow motion, some camera angles and add some music and it would be a classic.

http://blip.tv/play/AeG3WovTeQ

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I know they had some real MMA fighters and expertise on the shoot, some of the fights are a little over board, but there was a bunch of nice submission attempts and counters that would only be appreciated by a person who is familiar with MMA. The real problem which might turn some MMA people off was the real fast cuts, but with the RED CAMERA it really looks cool from a cinematography point.
I will check out the link, and let you know what I think.
However as I said this movie was one of the better MMA movies that I have seen, but I am a sucker for these types of movies.
Kudos on achieving your belts! Sounds pretty righteous.
Peace!
JP

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Sweet, sounds goods. I look forward to seeing it. Thanks on the congrats...its been a blast training...if you don't already..and you ever get a chance..do yourself a favor and take Jiu-Jitsu...it is amazing.

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WOW! Thanks so much for the great review!! Glad you liked it! We were very blessed to have an amazing choreographer in Ernie Reyes, SR!
Yeah, it was totally chaotic there at the AOF showings, with tons of people and crazy crowds in that small space. I apologize for both Ken and I if we may have brushed past in the commotion of all the chaos. Ken is super humble and amazingly concerned with others, and never in his life would have consciously chosen to treat someone the way you felt treated. Again please forgive us. As you can imagine for both of us that day was a culmination of years of excitement and being surrounded by all those people all wanting your attention made it difficult to give anyone the attention they truly deserved. And if it was me, I am sooo sorry my friend! Please forgive me, I was running in 18 million directions working to ensure that the quality of play back was on the mark. I know that is no excuse, so again, please forgive me (us). Ken's heart would be impacted for days if he ever read this entry. He tries so hard to make sure everyone is respected and appreciated.
Thank you again for the awesome compliments on the film!! And for taking the time to voice your thoughts.

Be blessed.

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I thoroughly enjoyed your film, a lot of Filipino's will be happy with it to lol!

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I was very impressed with the film and the cast, I really hope you guys get nationwide distribution, the film deserves it!
Good luck...

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no it doesn't, horrible acting ok fight scenes and absolutely the worst music/audio sound effects (ruins any chance the movie had), good photography, and poor script. I have seen plenty of others movies a lot better not get national release.

I mean every puch, kick and plate dropping on the ground in the movie sounds the same (like a door closing and vibrating slightly) and just about every scene thats not a fight scene has melodramatic music as if every scene is the emotional cliffhanger. If this was fixed it would go a long way to improving the movie.

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Every good movie has its critics.
This film will be a great asset to the MMA community.

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