The Art of Self-Defense
2019 · Movie · R · 104 min · ★ 6.6 · 74% critics
After a random street attack, a timid accountant seeks self-defense training at a local dojo run by an intense, enigmatic instructor. As he learns the culture of the place, he uncovers a darker side tied to fraternity, violence, and hypermasculinity—while a woman fights to claim her place.
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Details
- Years
- 2019
- Release date
- 2019-07-12
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Critic score
- 74/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.6/10 (832 votes)
About
Not for you if you want a light, wholesome martial-arts story, or if dark comedy and disturbing violence feel like too much; if you like Faults or Four Lions, it may match your mood.
Pros: smart dark comedy; standout performances; tense, unsettling vibe | Cons: polarizing humor; brutal violence; jokes may miss
Themes
- martial arts
- sports
- psychopath
- dark comedy
- karate
- crematorium
- sexism
- cult
- satire
- murder
- dojo
- motorcycle gang
- +11 more
Cast & crew
Jesse Eisenberg
as Casey
Alessandro Nivola
as Sensei
Imogen Poots
as Anna
Steve Terada
as Thomas
David Zellner
as Henry
Phillip Andre Botello
as Kennith
Jason Burkey
as Alex
- MB
Mike Brooks
as Steve
C.J. Rush
as Other Steve
Davey Johnson
as Gun Store Owner
Directed by Riley Stearns