for those who appreciate martials arts of all forms and the realism behind the big MMA machine now a days its a fantastic movie.

I'm an MMA guy and this movie was poor. Plot holes big enough to drive a truck through and unrealistic fight scences to boot.

Previews are not what you would think, but then that's really what David Mamet(director) is all about. This is basically his previous film with some of the same actors - The Spanish Prisoner - only with a martial arts theme in place of the energy theft. The movie has the same twists and turns that keep you guessing - almost like a DePalma film. Its not the violent action film you think it might be. ....m

The previews do not do this movie justice. Also, you do not have to be a martial artist to appreciate this movie; it was fantastic!

The first half is really strong. The last 20 minutes is pathetically bad. It was like the producers ran out of money.

Not quite what I expected. Its about traditional martial art principles of reservation. There was not as much fighting as anticipated. However, it was a great movie about purpose.

This movie is what martial arts is all about. I just don't mean the actual fighting, but the true meaning of what it was meant to be. Self preservation using a true training system (style is irreverent), and treating those skills with respect and honour. This film shows us how martial arts are just not a fighting skill...but also, a tool that teaches values and how to be better people. Excellent film! A film I’ll be proud to add to my martial art movie collection when released on DVD.

On eof the best movies I've seen this year, it's probably the most underrated film and wont do well in the theatre but trust me worth every penny.

Desrves a better rating than a mere 3 stars. A very good movie.

One of the best this year. On my top 10 list for 2008. 5 Stars.