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The Art of Self-Defense

Play trailer 2:28 Poster for The Art of Self-Defense R Released Jul 19, 2019 1h 44m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 171 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 500+ Verified Ratings
After getting attacked on the street, Casey enlists in a local dojo that's led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei. He soon uncovers a sinister fraternity of violence and masculinity while learning how to defend himself. Casey must now embark on a dark and frightening journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.
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The Art of Self-Defense

The Art of Self-Defense

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Critics Consensus

The Art of Self-Defense grapples compellingly with modern American masculinity -- and serves as an outstanding calling card for writer-director Riley Stearns.

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Critics Reviews

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Rick Bentley Tribune News Service The comedy is so dark that it may be blinding to some. At least there is no way to dismiss the film as being just another formulaic attempt at entertainment. If nothing else, it is one of the most unique films of the year. Jul 25, 2019 Full Review Alexandra Heller-Nicholas The Blue Lenses The Art of Self-Defense is a razor-sharp parable about radicalization, masculinity and misogyny that avoids pompous, self-aggrandizing soapboxing in favour of empathy, humanity and compassion. All that, plus bonus dachshund. Jul 24, 2019 Full Review Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com Eisenberg is sensational. Rated: 3/4 Jul 19, 2019 Full Review Calum Cooper Source (Scotland) Smart and informative, yet also brutal and haunting, while still maintaining a sense of fun, it’s masterfully crafted and confidently staunch in its beliefs. Jul 14, 2024 Full Review Ryan McQuade InSession Film It won’t be for everyone but this film is a heck of a ride and leaves you with a fun gut punch for an ending. Apr 4, 2024 Full Review Paul Kanieski KSQD Community Radio If you like your humor dark, dry and laced with biting social commentary, The Art of Self-Defense lands its blows with black-belt precision. Jul 19, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jeff B It was 90% dark and 10% comedy. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/06/19 Full Review Daniel L Jesse Eisenberg + dark comedy = Money! Great movie, I loved it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/22/19 Full Review Michael Dark comedy sums it up well. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/02/19 Full Review wendi d Great action, humor! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/02/19 Full Review George One of the best movies of summer 2019 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/01/19 Full Review Angel D This is a very different good time at the movies. It has a Napoleon Dynamite feel to it. With more violence. It is an aquired comedy, but it is brutally funny, at times. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/01/19 Full Review Read all reviews
The Art of Self-Defense

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Cast & Crew

The Art of Self-Defense

The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Sensei The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Sensei 0:53 The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Grand Master The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Grand Master 0:51 The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Really Glad You're Here The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Really Glad You're Here 0:39 The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Special Belts The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Special Belts 1:25 The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - You Came to the Right Place The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - You Came to the Right Place 0:59 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis After getting attacked on the street, Casey enlists in a local dojo that's led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei. He soon uncovers a sinister fraternity of violence and masculinity while learning how to defend himself. Casey must now embark on a dark and frightening journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.
Director
Riley Stearns
Producer
Cody Ryder, Andrew Kortschak, Stephanie Whonsetler, Walter Kortschak
Screenwriter
Riley Stearns
Distributor
Bleecker Street Media
Production Co
End Cue
Rating
R (Language|Graphic Nudity|Sexual Content|Violence)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 19, 2019, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 27, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA)
$2.4M
Runtime
1h 44m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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