Casey, an accountant and a timid individual, is attacked at random by a motorcycle gang. To defend himself against future threats, he joins a local karate dojo led by an enigmatic Sensei. As Casey looks deeper into the dojo’s culture, he discovers a sinister world of hypermasculinity, violence, and betrayal, leading him to take dramatic steps to overhaul the system.
You can watch “The Art of Self-Defense” for FREE on Tubi in Canada.
Length: 1h 44m
Genre: Comedy, Thriller
This Title is: Dark, satirical
Cast
Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots, Steve Terada
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – Includes themes of violence and adult content
Trivia
- The film premiered at South by Southwest in March 2019.
- It explores themes of masculinity and societal expectations.
- The production utilized a budget of $1.8 million and garnered $2.4 million in revenue.
Trailer
Our Review
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This dark comedy blends thriller elements with a satirical look at martial arts culture and modern masculinity. While it successfully delivers its critique with sharp humor and tension, its offbeat style might not resonate with all audiences. Jesse Eisenberg’s performance, as the meek accountant turned karate student, anchors the film’s exploration of power dynamics and personal transformation.