The Art of Self-Defense

Name: The Art of Self-Defense
Director: Riley Stearns
Genre: Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
Released: 2019-01-01
Duration: 104 min
Rating: 6.5
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots, Steve Terada, David Zellner

2019Dir. Riley Stearns1h 44m

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Runtime1h 44m

Released2019

Budget$1.8M

Box office$2.4M

DirectorRiley Stearns

About This Movie

The Art of Self-Defense delves into a peculiar blend of comedy and drama, exploring the absurdity of masculinity through Casey's journey in a dojo. It’s got this off-kilter atmosphere that can feel both disarming and unsettling. The pacing is methodical, allowing the story to unfold in a way that really captures the weirdness of the martial arts world. The performances, particularly by Jesse Eisenberg as Casey and Alessandro Nivola as the enigmatic Sensei, are striking. Their dynamic really embodies the film's dark humor and critique of hypermasculinity. Plus, there are some practical effects that add to the unsettling tone, enhancing the sense of danger lurking beneath the surface. It’s distinctive, for sure.

Explores themes of masculinity and identity.Striking performances, especially by Eisenberg.Unique blend of dark humor and unsettling atmosphere.