April 26, 2026 (NYC)–   RZA’s Most Visceral Vision Yet: A Review of ‘One Spoon of Chocolate’.  A Look at One Spoon of Chocolate, the new Variance Films martial arts action film by filmmaker RZA.  

REVIEW:

Discovering that One Spoon of Chocolate was produced by Quentin Tarantino and written/directed by RZA comes as no surprise. It is an ultra-violent martial arts revenge thriller in a category all its own. While the film is difficult to watch on many levels, it represents exceptional filmmaking and is a ‘must-see’ for martial arts, action enthusiasts.

The main storyline revolves around an honorable and decent war veteran, played by Shameik Moore, who suffers from anger management issues and ends up in a racist Ohio town after being released from a New York State prison for two years.  The storyline of his attempt to get a fresh start in life and this racist, underground lynch mob intersect in a very explosive way.

The film is not subtle.  The action, the violence, and the racism are very front and center in this movie.   This multi-layered  brutality makes the film hard to watch at points, but it is also part of the film’s strength.  It is visceral and hard to watch, but you cannot look away- not even for a second.  Part of the strength of the film, and the filmmaking, is that this brutality is tempered by moments of real humanity and human connection.  This film had me on the edge of my seat. throughout; however, the film’s true strength lies in how this carnage is tempered by moments of genuine human connection, leading to a deeply satisfying, climactic finale.

The acting is superior.   Shameik Moore commands the screen as a lead in the tradition of the classic American Western: strong, silent, and dangerous, yet good to his core. Paris Jackson delivers a shockingly nuanced performance, and Blair Underwood provides a small but impactful contribution. The ensemble creates a synergy that elevates the entire production.

RZA’s Direction is sharp.  He manages to weave every minute of the film into a riveting and nail biting ride for the viewer.  He clearly understands the subject matter here and a perspective to tell it from.  The film has more visceral brutality and realism than some of his other works.  I find this approach to martial arts fighting to be more watchable, despite the strength of prior films, like The Man with The Iron Fists.

With Quentin Tarantino as the Producer of this one I could not help but feel like I was watching a fleshed out companion piece to the Zed/Gimp storyline introduced in the cult classic, Pulp Fiction.  This clearly, is the dark underbelly of middle American White Supremacy that Tarantino and RZA believe, or know, exists.

The martial arts and fight choreography is extraordinary. This does have hints of some of the martial arts scenes from prior RZA films, but he is not lazy here.  RZA delivers unique, gritty sequences filmed with precision. This is largely thanks to Marresse Crump—the only American protégé of Ong Bak creator Master Panna Rittikrai—who collaborated with RZA on the fights. Moore’s training in Filipino martial arts and weaponry under Master JA Crooms is evident; he is a formidable presence I expect to see in many future action roles.

I won’t give the meaning of the title away here but it is such an interesting choice.  It demonstrates that the filmmakers still have the ability the find positivity, despite all the chaos of the world we are introduced to here.   That glimmer of hope is, partially, why this film works so well.

This film is a hard “R” for nudity, sexual situations, violence, and brutal racism.  It is an adult film.

The film is a worthwhile and I highly recommend it.  At its core it has good storytelling, great action, acting, and Direction.  It’s only April, but I already expect that this will make our year end “Best of 2026”  list.

 

–review by Master Marc Zirogiannis