I had expectations for this film, as I went to see it with members of my dojo, including my Sensei. It explored and broke boundaries in film and in the martial arts. Dealing with AIDS not in a metropolitan area but in a small town, racial barriers, genders in the martial arts (an issue that is still very prevalent), and sexuality are all here. Though the film takes place in the 80's, it has a timeliness to what is happening in the US today. Problems aren't completely solved here. But The Sensei gives us an idea of where we can start to go without turning into a Lifetime movie. And it does look great. Made by people who give a damn about what they're doing, instead of worrying about the paycheck.
Review of The Sensei
