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The Art of Self-Defense

The Art of Self-Defense

20196.61h 44m

Overview

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 in it.

Directed by Riley Stearns
Written by Riley Stearns
Produced by Walter Kortschak, Andrew Kortschak, Stephanie Whonsetler
Box OfficeBudget: $1.8MRevenue: $2.4M

Top Cast

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

M

Mike Brooks

Steve

C.J. Rush

C.J. Rush

Other Steve

Davey Johnson

Davey Johnson

Gun Store Owner

Themes & Keywords

martial artssportspsychopathdark comedykaratecrematoriumsexismcultsatiremurderdojomotorcycle gangdoggerman shepherdmisogynymuggingdeath of petblack beltmasculinityaccountantdeadpantraumatized manambiguous

About The Art of Self-Defense

The Art of Self-Defense is a comedy, thriller, drama, mystery film released in 2019 exploring themes of martial arts, sports, psychopath, dark comedy, karate, crematorium. Directed by Riley Stearns, it stars Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots. 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 in it.

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