Watch Eyes of the Roshi

Eyes of the Roshi is an independent film released in 2017 that features a small but talented cast, including Eric Roberts, Ethan Marten, and Amanda Dunn. The story centers around Nat, a young man working at a dojo who is struggling to find his place in the world. Nat is mentored by a wise old karate master, Roshi, who asks him to do a simple task: find and bring back his estranged granddaughter, May.

Nat is hesitant to take on the task, but Roshi's persistence convinces him to embark on the journey. Along the way, Nat encounters a number of obstacles, including a local gang, rival martial artists, and his own doubts and fears. Despite these challenges, Nat perseveres and eventually finds May, but not before discovering some shocking truths about her.

As Nat and May begin to grow closer, they become inseparable, and Nat begins to question whether it is possible to truly find oneself without the guidance of someone like Roshi. Meanwhile, the gang that Nat encountered earlier in the film continues to cause trouble, and eventually, Nat and May must work together to overcome them.

The film's central theme is the idea of finding oneself through discipline and hard work. Nat is a character who struggles with his own identity and purpose, but through the guidance of Roshi and the discipline of martial arts, he is able to discover his true potential.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is the performance of Eric Roberts as Roshi. Roberts brings a quiet gravitas to the role, and his scenes with Nat are some of the film's most poignant. Ethan Marten also delivers a solid performance as Nat, conveying the character's internal struggles with nuance and subtlety. Amanda Dunn is also strong as May, and her chemistry with Marten is convincing and emotionally resonant.

The film's cinematography is impressive, with director Jon Mark Nail capturing some stunning shots of the natural landscape. The action scenes are also well-executed, with a number of thrilling fights that showcase the film's martial arts expertise.

At its heart, Eyes of the Roshi is a character-driven drama that incorporates action and martial arts elements into its narrative. The film's themes of self-discovery and mentorship make it a poignant and engaging experience, and the performances of its talented cast elevate the material.

Overall, Eyes of the Roshi is a well-crafted independent film that is sure to resonate with audiences who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. With its strong performances, impressive action sequences, and nuanced exploration of its central themes, the film is a must-see for fans of martial arts cinema and thoughtful drama alike.

Eyes of the Roshi is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.