The Art of Self-Defense

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The Art of Self-Defense

R

2019

1h 44m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Rick Bentley

Tribune News Service

Jul 25, 2019

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.

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Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

The Blue Lenses

Jul 24, 2019

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.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Jul 19, 2019

3/4

Eisenberg is sensational.

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Lexi Amoriello

Movie Recs by Lex

Jul 10, 2026

It’s audacious and hilarious, but the film’s unique brand of humor may not work for everyone. It dissects the timely topics of misogyny and toxic masculinity with biting satire that packs a powerful punch.

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Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

Jul 14, 2024

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.

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Paul Kanieski

KSQD Community Radio

Jul 19, 2023

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.

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Jeff B

Aug 6, 2019

It was 90% dark and 10% comedy.

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Daniel L

Aug 6, 2019

Jesse Eisenberg + dark comedy = Money! Great movie, I loved it!

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Michael

Aug 2, 2019

Dark comedy sums it up well.

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wendi d

Aug 2, 2019

Great action, humor!

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George

Aug 1, 2019

One of the best movies of summer 2019

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Angel D

Aug 1, 2019

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.

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Riley Stearns

Director

Jesse Eisenberg

Casey

Alessandro Nivola

Sensei

Imogen Poots

Anna

Steve Terada

Thomas

David Zellner

Henry

The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Sensei

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The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Grand Master

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The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Really Glad You're Here

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The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - Special Belts

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The Art of Self-Defense: Movie Clip - You Came to the Right Place

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The Art of Self-Defense: Trailer 1

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The Art of Self-Defense: Teaser Trailer 1

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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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