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IMDbPro

The Art of Self-Defense

  • 2019
  • R
  • 1h 44m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
42K
YOUR RATING
Alessandro Nivola, Jesse Eisenberg, and Imogen Poots in The Art of Self-Defense (2019)
After he's attacked on the street at night by a roving motorcycle gang, timid bookkeeper Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) joins a neighborhood karate studio to learn how to protect himself. Under the watchful eye of a charismatic instructor, Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), and hardcore brown belt Anna (Imogen Poots), Casey gains a newfound sense of confidence for the first time in his life. But when he attends Sensei's mysterious night classes, he discovers a sinister world of fraternity, brutality and hyper-masculinity, presenting a journey that places him squarely in the sights of his enigmatic new mentor.
Play trailer2:29
14 Videos
99+ Photos
Dark ComedyComedyCrimeDramaMysteryThriller

After being attacked on the street, a young man enlists at a local dojo, led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei, in an effort to learn how to defend himself from future threats.After being attacked on the street, a young man enlists at a local dojo, led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei, in an effort to learn how to defend himself from future threats.After being attacked on the street, a young man enlists at a local dojo, led by a charismatic and mysterious sensei, in an effort to learn how to defend himself from future threats.

  • Director
    • Riley Stearns
  • Writer
    • Riley Stearns
  • Stars
    • Jesse Eisenberg
    • Alessandro Nivola
    • Imogen Poots
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.6/10
    42K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Riley Stearns
    • Writer
      • Riley Stearns
    • Stars
      • Jesse Eisenberg
      • Alessandro Nivola
      • Imogen Poots
    • 356User reviews
    • 141Critic reviews
    • 65Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 nominations total

    Videos14

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:29
    Official Trailer
    The Art of Self-Defense Trailer
    Trailer 2:29
    The Art of Self-Defense Trailer
    The Art of Self-Defense Trailer
    Trailer 2:29
    The Art of Self-Defense Trailer
    Teaser
    Trailer 1:18
    Teaser
    Weekend Box Office: July 19 to 21
    Clip 1:01
    Weekend Box Office: July 19 to 21
    Weekend Box Office: July 12 to 14
    Clip 1:01
    Weekend Box Office: July 12 to 14
    The Art of Self-Defense
    Clip 0:52
    The Art of Self-Defense

    Photos137

    View Poster
    View Poster
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    + 133
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    Top cast37

    Edit
    Jesse Eisenberg
    Jesse Eisenberg
    • Casey
    Alessandro Nivola
    Alessandro Nivola
    • Sensei
    Imogen Poots
    Imogen Poots
    • Anna
    Steve Terada
    Steve Terada
    • Thomas
    David Zellner
    David Zellner
    • Henry
    Phillip Andre Botello
    Phillip Andre Botello
    • Kennith
    Jason Burkey
    Jason Burkey
    • Alex
    Mike Brooks
    • Steve
    C.J. Rush
    C.J. Rush
    • Other Steve
    • (as CJ Rush)
    Davey Johnson
    Davey Johnson
    • Gun Store Owner
    Hauke Bahr
    Hauke Bahr
    • Grant
    Katherine Martin
    • Bakery Woman
    Cameron Murphy
    • New White Belt
    • (as Patrick Cameron Murphy)
    Nicholas Hulstine
    • Pickup Truck Driver
    Lena Friedrich
    • French Girl
    Louis Robert Thompson
    • Veterinarian
    Dallas Edwards
    Dallas Edwards
    • Manuel
    Katherine Smith-Rodden
    Katherine Smith-Rodden
    • Store Cashier
    • Director
      • Riley Stearns
    • Writer
      • Riley Stearns
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Writer and director Riley Stearns trains and teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
    • Goofs
      This post was political and added nothing to the movie experience. Not sure how it made it past review.
    • Quotes

      Sensei: [regarding the belt Casey gave him] Not only does it represent my black belt in karate but it also helps keep my pants up.

    • Crazy credits
      At the beginning of the end credits, the show's "title logo" is shown in a "black metal" font, mirroring the front cover of the CD Casey buys (albeit in yellow).
    • Connections
      Featured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Jesse Eisenberg/Emily Deschanel/Kate Tempest/Raghav Mehrotra (2019)
    • Soundtracks
      Can You Hear Me Now?
      Performed by Donald McMichael

      Written by Donald McMichael

    User reviews356

    Featured review
    9/10

    Slow, no mercy

    I totally understand if some are not even remotely smitten by how akward and weird this movie is. This may come off as a bit of a Karate Kid/Cobra Kai ripoff or something that wants to take advantage of the fact the show gained so much popularity. But while I didn't do any research on how this came to fruition, I am very confident that this very adult take on Self Defense works even without the other show in mind. Now when I say adult, I mean that this is quite violent and quite graphic with that violence at points. So while there is some male nudity in this, I am not referring to anything sexual regarding the adult part. But that is another thing: While I reckon it is predictable when it comes to where the characters stand or where the story goes (at some point you'll figure it out), it is told with such great affection and such great attention to detail, that if you dig it, you will love it to the core! This really holds up the tone it sets from beginning to the end. Something not all movies are capable of doing. Especially in the strange/weird category. I would have wanted to have watched this in a cinema, but finding this little gem on a streaming plattform isn't that bad either. Not for the faint hearted or the easily offended ... but everyone else should give it a go.
    • kosmasp
    • Mar 24, 2021
    • Permalink

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    FAQ17

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 19, 2019 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • German
    • Also known as
      • Nghệ Thuật Tự Vệ
    • Filming locations
      • Louisville, Kentucky, USA
    • Production company
      • End Cue
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $2,410,914
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $114,374
      • Jul 14, 2019
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,414,269
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 44 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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