Art of Submission

Art of Submission, also known as "Beyond the Ring", is a minimalistic yet power-packed 2012 action drama film that seamlessly incorporates MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) into a narrative of personal growth and redemption. The star-studded cast of this movie features talents like Ving Rhames, Maria Conchita Alonso, and George Takei.

The story revolves around the journey of an underprivileged construction worker, Johnny Sanchez (Ernie Reyes Jr.), who struggles with his own weaknesses, personal obstacles, and societal pressures. Renowned actor Ving Rhames stars as Captain Duke, a seasoned MMA trainer, who discovers Johnny's raw talent and potential in a downtown LA fight club. Rhames performs exceptionally in demonstrating the grit, passion, and sometimes, unorthodox methods that MMA coaches employ to shape their trainees.

Johnny finds himself thrown into a dangerous world of mixed martial arts, full of fierce competition, rabid fans, and the glitz and glamour that surrounds the modern professional fighting scene. However, the center of the narrative is not the fighting alone, but the personal transformation Johnny undergoes though these grim experiences. The film isn’t solely about MMA bouts; it strikes a balance between bloody knuckles and clarifying life's rough edges.

Accompanying the hard-hitting physical bravado, the movie attempts to touch upon deeper mechanics of personal struggles. Johnny's mother, brilliantly portrayed by Maria Conchita Alonso, is a tough, loving woman fighting her own battle against terminal illness. She refuses to let her son know about her deteriorating health, making her character a well-oiled machine of maternal instinct, courage, and affection.

Renowned actor George Takei plays Jimmy, Johnny’s eccentric boss who doubles as a friendly mentor. Takei's character provides comic relief and also is the beacon of wisdom in the storyline that motivates Johnny to overcome his personal demons. His character is one of the subtler yet impactful performances in the movie.

The fight scenes are gritty and realistic, reminiscent of the raw, unpolished style that's found in underground fight clubs. Johnny’s journey is marked with sweat, blood, and determination which eventually draws him into a high-stakes underground fight. Rhames brings legitimacy and seriousness to these scenes with his coaching, and there is a natural progression seen in Johnny's skills as the storyline progresses and he becomes more involved in the MMA world.

Art of Submission successfully captures the essence of the underground fight scene while still retaining its commitment to the characters' individual narratives. By demonstrating the stringent and harsh conditions many fighters face, the movie rises above the cliched "underdog" narrative, through its depiction of the social circumstances and personal struggles that inform their choices and actions.

The movie establishes a sense of authenticity with its diverse ensemble of characters, their nuanced and challenging relationships, the grungy settings, the harsh lighting, and the original soundtrack that underscores the pivotal moments in the narrative.

Inevitably, Art of Submission is a film for those who are partial towards action, combat, and high-stakes drama, but it also holds appeal more broadly due to the depth of its characters and its exploration of various poignant themes. It explores the trials and tribulations of growing up within the challenging circumstances of an underprivileged background, the battles waged within the ruthless yet riveting MMA world, the bonds of family and the lengths we go to protect them and the journey of coming-to-terms' with one's weaknesses and turning them into strengths. In essence, beyond the blood and bruises, the film delves into the art of spiritual and personal submission.

Despite its focus on a niche sport like MMA, the movie manages to resonate on a universal level due to its heartfelt portrayal of endurance, determination, and self-discovery. Whether you are a fan of action flicks, martial arts, or just a good story about personal grit and growth, Art of Submission will leave you enthralled and inspired.

The Art of Submission offers a powerful visual experience that is both thought-provoking and adrenaline-driven, making it a poignant piece of cinematic art. It's not just about the spectacular and high-stakes spectacle of MMA fighting, but more importantly, it's about the internal battles one must wage and conquer to truly succeed.