The Art of Self-Defense

Movie

2019

1h 44m

English

Comedy, Thriller

User Score:

6.5

Critic Score:

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Casey is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman fighting for her place ...

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The Art of Self-Defense

Movie

2019

1h 44m

English

Comedy, Thriller

Play Trailer

Watch on Hoopla

WATCHMODE

6.5

IMDB

CRITIC SCORE

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Available in 4 other countries.

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Cast

Casey

Sensei

Anna

Thomas

Henry

Phillip Andre Botello

Kennith

Alex

Grant

Manny

Steve

Other Steve

Detective McCallister

Serial Killer

Gun Store Owner

Bakery Woman

New White Belt

Pickup Truck Driver

French Girl

French Guy

Louis Robert Thompson

Veterinarian

Katherine Smith-Rodden

Store Cashier

Apollo Bacala

Karate Day Class Student

Caroline Amiguet

French Audio Instructor

Directed By: Riley Stearns

Written By: Riley Stearns (Screenplay)

Featured Comments/Tips

nmahoney416 says...

5 years ago

I loved the dry humor, it worked perfectly for me. The story was interesting and did not go where I thought it was and I loved it even more. Jesse Eisenberg was the perfect man for the movie.

Like - Dislike - Comment - 100 0

Guy Pal says...

5 years ago

weird in good way, dark in a lite and fun tune. i enjoyed it, but its not for everybody.

Like - Dislike - Comment - 80 0

faithful soul says...

4 years ago

It punched me in the stomach, kicked me in the head, and with a surprising turn of events. knocked the wind out my sails. An offbeat original that is a fun watch, with a spot on performance from Eisenberg.

Like - Dislike - Comment - 20 0

GGeer3 says...

5 years ago

Do you like weird, quirky, not-so-good movies? This might be for you then, because it certainly wasn't for me. Acting seemed wooden, delivery was monotone and very matter-of-fact. The story was slightly interesting and dark, but after seeing the whole thing, I have no idea what this was supposed to make me feel, besides upset I wasted my time with it.

Like - Dislike - Comment - 10 0

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Featured User Reviews

Xiofire

CONTAINS SPOILERS7/10 5 years ago

I think this movie is the definition of an oddball comedy. I was never quite sure where I was with this movie with every passing scene, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it. From it's dry, unapologetic humour, to it's somewhat dark resolution; it's juvenile presentation yet deep met More

Like - Dislike - Comment - 10 0

LegendaryFang56

8/10 2 years ago

_"Not only does it represent my black belt in karate, but it also helps keep my pants up."_

I had, more or less, no idea what to expect going into this film. Not only that, I was going to watch _Do Revenge_, but when faced with the nearly 2-hour-long runtime, I racked my brain for another film to More

Like - Dislike - Comment - 00 0

SWITCH.

5 years ago

‘The Art of Self-Defense’ is a truly funny, dark experience that will polarise audiences, hopefully leaving most of them satisfied. Just try not to think about it too much.
- Ashley Teresa

Read Ashley's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-art-of-self-defense- More

Like - Dislike - Comment - 00 0

Gimly

4 years ago

I went in expecting mumblecore, but got more of a Wes Anderson (which, to be fair, a primary influence of mumblecore). Wes Anderson almost always has violence in his movies, but probably nothing so brutal as _The Art of Self-Defense_. I thought that the whole movie would essentially be setting up Ei More

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