The Art of Self-Defense
Bleecker Street Media | Release Date: July 12, 2019
6.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 89 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
61
Mixed:
12
Negative:
16
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3
JoeCoolNov 13, 2019
I don't think much of this movie. It's supposed to be funny, but the issues touched on just aren't funny in the least. Maybe it's my background in martial arts, but I found this movie rather painful to watch. The views on women, strength andI don't think much of this movie. It's supposed to be funny, but the issues touched on just aren't funny in the least. Maybe it's my background in martial arts, but I found this movie rather painful to watch. The views on women, strength and violence portrayed in this movie, I just can't laugh at those at all, sorry.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
hnestlyontheslyOct 7, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Art of Self-Defense deserves better than we can give it. It’s a dry, dark comedy that mocks the toxic masculinity of its genre bedfellows, chief among them Chuck Palanhiuk’s Fight Club. I’d be interested to see if there’s been any sustained discussion of those two films since ASD is so tickled by poking at the hyper masculine boy’s club mentality in the office, at the super market, in the locker room at the dojo–you know, regular guy stuff. Jessie Eisenberg is in his element. The real breakout star for me is Imogen Poots, returned at last from his transcendent Green Room, who is at once violent, misunderstood, kind, and angry as hell.

There are certainly aspects of this story that feel tired. My dad, who has not seen the movie, was able to get me about seventy-five percent of the way there just based on the trailer, but I really do think that the story and its twist rely heavily on the film’s overarching critique of the genre (and by extension, maybe the culture). I don’t know if that relegates it to second-class status with the likes of films like Isn’t It Romantic, but I hope not, because it accomplishes a lot more in the way of humor and surprises than I think the former did.

Wife didn’t think all that much of the movie. Said she was bored by the film for deeply personal reasons. She says she doesn’t care about the story of the agony of the tortured Beta male.

The ending drew applause from the audience and some big, shocked laughs. Poots’s fringe should win best supporting actor.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
CameOct 14, 2019
This film is dark comedy but i didn't laugh at one joke. But somehow i really liked this film a lot. It's indescribable good.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
LamontRaymondJul 26, 2019
One of the most insane movies I've ever seen. Starts out a little dry and oddly funny and goes WAY off the edge. Can't give up much, but certainly worth seeing.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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0
ProteusJul 22, 2019
Possibly the worst lighting I've ever seen in a movie. That is a giveaway of the production values and overall quality.

Terrible movie. The target audience for this movie must be the smallest ever. People who find male power issues leadingPossibly the worst lighting I've ever seen in a movie. That is a giveaway of the production values and overall quality.

Terrible movie. The target audience for this movie must be the smallest ever. People who find male power issues leading to unneeded violence funny.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
stoffanatorJul 22, 2019
Just to let other reviewers know. The movie wasn't unable to make up its mind about whether or not you should laugh at the characters or care for them, it was a dark comedy, and a perfect one at that. Enjoyed from start to finish.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
KeithDowJul 12, 2019
‘The Art of Self Defense’ is a coming out party for writer/director Riley Stearns, who has not only overcome the obstacle of a sophomore feature film, but has completely vanquished the notion that it should pose a problem in the first place.‘The Art of Self Defense’ is a coming out party for writer/director Riley Stearns, who has not only overcome the obstacle of a sophomore feature film, but has completely vanquished the notion that it should pose a problem in the first place.

The key to his success? Time. Stearns’ first feature film, ‘Faults’, debuted in 2014. That means he had five years (voluntarily or otherwise) to develop his next project. And the evidence of having that much time to fine tune and meticulously polish what would become ‘The Art of Self Defense’ is most evident in the writing, which is witty, funny, incisive, and without a shred of overwrought excess.

The film blends comedic elements—sometimes light, sometimes dark—with character study and sociology in a ‘Karate Kid’ meets ‘Fight Club’ mashup that is delightfully entertaining the entire way through. Despite some violence and a couple of injuries which could have been toned down to broaden the mass appeal of the film, achieving as much probably isn’t Stearns’ primary goal, and we expect both he and his trenchant film to garner a well-deserve cult following.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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1
1MoviemanJul 19, 2019
Just another stupid movie. Where do they come up with these ideas? Makes no reason at all. It was almost as bad as Midsomer but not as gory.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
saltydog99Aug 5, 2019
The Art of Self-defense is a really good movie that gives us one of Jesse Eisenberg's best performances. Eisenberg carries this film and makes it not just an enjoyable watch, but a captivating one. The acting is all around fantastic and IThe Art of Self-defense is a really good movie that gives us one of Jesse Eisenberg's best performances. Eisenberg carries this film and makes it not just an enjoyable watch, but a captivating one. The acting is all around fantastic and I loved every character. The writing and directing is also very good. The dialogue is amazing and even though the story is about as stupid as can be, you still care about the characters and want them to succeed. I also have to give credit to the amazing editing and cinematography, both are top notch. I really like this film and appreciate aspects of it.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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0
AhmcgillMay 16, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The dog dies. Beyond that it's a boring, generic ripoff of other good and bad movies.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
TVJerryJul 25, 2019
Even though this is being advertised as a comedy, there's almost nothing funny here. Instead is a very dark, somewhat twisted story. After being attacked by a motorcycle gang, a fearful accountant (Jesse Eisenberg) takes up karate. This isEven though this is being advertised as a comedy, there's almost nothing funny here. Instead is a very dark, somewhat twisted story. After being attacked by a motorcycle gang, a fearful accountant (Jesse Eisenberg) takes up karate. This is Eisenberg at his most tentative, neurotic and apprehensive, which is saying something. Even so, his character's development adds some new notes to his performance. What starts out as his journey to achieve confidence thru martial arts, twists into a brutal examination of toxic masculinity and misguided brutality. I'm sure people who practice karate will find this dojo an outrage, but general audiences will be in for a sinister, bleak, somewhat intentionally absurd cinematic contortion.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
Lambo442Aug 20, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film started off well and I felt genuinely happy for the kid when he began to learn Karate and feel more empowered. The master was very funny and I liked the idea that he seemed like he was full of **** but actually he wasn't. When he says to him 'You will always be a yellow belt, just like a ship that burns and sinks to the bottom of the ocean is still a ship,' I felt that on a deep level. But out of the blue the film gets very unbelievable, weirdly dark and brutal, which clashes with the comedic tone quite a bit. Things start to make no sense. Like, all of a sudden he throat punches his boss just for being nice to him and doesn't even get arrested. It then turns out the dojo are jumping people in order to empower them to get marital arts training, or just so members can earn respect through some kind of sadistic murdering scheme. This film really goes in a bizarre direction and the ending is bizarre too. There ends up being no likeable characters really. The cool master turns out to be a psychopath. I wish they'd have kept this film more believable and also just made the film I wanted them to make.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
netflicJul 22, 2019
This movie is a dark comedy which is usually not my cup-of-tea.
But it is also somewhat absurdist, and that combination somehow worked for me.
The protagonist Casey played by Jessie Eisenberg is a lonely accountant who lives with his dog. HeThis movie is a dark comedy which is usually not my cup-of-tea.
But it is also somewhat absurdist, and that combination somehow worked for me.
The protagonist Casey played by Jessie Eisenberg is a lonely accountant who lives with his dog.
He is a kind of a push-over guy and suffers from his weakness. After being mugged at night he considers buying a gun but instead starts learning karate that changes his life.
It was a nice watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
GoreministerNov 18, 2019
This time Jesse Eisenberg doesn´t fight zombies, he fights his inner fears and tries to become a Karateka. Well, some sites consider this a Comedy, but it´s surely no as funny as you might expect. Sometimes it´s dark and disturbing, BUT theThis time Jesse Eisenberg doesn´t fight zombies, he fights his inner fears and tries to become a Karateka. Well, some sites consider this a Comedy, but it´s surely no as funny as you might expect. Sometimes it´s dark and disturbing, BUT the story is nice and has interesting twists waiting for you. Also it´s pretty brutal sometimes, but the director Riley Sterns succeeds to bring us an interesting story, interesting charakters and a movie that´s not boring at all. Sure, it´s not perfect and has it´s flaws, but if you like slow, quiet movies, you definetly enjoy this one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
dullurdJul 21, 2019
I like its ambition, but it's a pretty big misfire for two reasons, I'd say.

One big problem is that the film can't seem to make up its mind whether you're supposed to care about the characters or laugh at them, and tries to have it bothI like its ambition, but it's a pretty big misfire for two reasons, I'd say.

One big problem is that the film can't seem to make up its mind whether you're supposed to care about the characters or laugh at them, and tries to have it both ways. The very stylized dialogue and shtick-y performances made it impossible for me to see the characters as real people, so all of the emotional beats rang false.

Second, it really goes off the rails in the third act. The plot turns are pretty contrived and hard-to-swallow. Rather than having a bunch of events-for-the-sake-of-being-eventful, I wish the story had zoomed in more on Eisenberg's character, who remains frustratingly opaque throughout.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Compi24Sep 16, 2020
It's not often you see a movie that completely wins you over with just its tone, but "The Art Of Self-Defense" did so in spades for me. It's this deliciously off-kilter, intoxicatingly hyperreal mix of both the comedic stylings of aIt's not often you see a movie that completely wins you over with just its tone, but "The Art Of Self-Defense" did so in spades for me. It's this deliciously off-kilter, intoxicatingly hyperreal mix of both the comedic stylings of a Christopher Guest or Jared Hess film, plus the social commentary of a movie like "Fight Club" or "Fargo." Writer/director Riley Stearns pulls from such a wildly different school of thought when it comes to the implementation of voice and expectations within a film, so much so that I honestly can't wait to see what he does next. Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots are terrific in their respective roles, but the real star is Alessandro Nivola, an unmitigated master in deadpan delivery and an underrated player in the business overall. Dark, funny, twisted and deep, "The Art Of Self-Defense" is so many things at once, all of them gratifyingly executed at the very least. I'm always excited to add a new filmmaker to my mental "ones to watch" list, and Stearns has definitely earned his place.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Meth-dudeNov 17, 2019
Supported by an original and interesting story, good acting performances, surprisingly decent cinematography and an oddly satisfying third act, The Art of Self-Defense is without a doubt one of 2019's best comedies and a future cult classic.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Brent_MarchantJul 28, 2019
A rivetingly funny but edgy dark comedy reminiscent of "Fight Club" that makes viewers both laugh -- and squirm in their seats -- as they watch the story play out. Jesse Eisenberg and Alessandro Nivola turn in fine performances, serving upA rivetingly funny but edgy dark comedy reminiscent of "Fight Club" that makes viewers both laugh -- and squirm in their seats -- as they watch the story play out. Jesse Eisenberg and Alessandro Nivola turn in fine performances, serving up ample neuroticism and creepiness in their respective roles, an intriguing combination that never disappoints. The film admittedly has a few plot holes and requires leaps in believability along the way, but they also add to the somewhat surreal quality of this satire, which doubles as both an intriguing story of its own and a less-than-veiled social-political commentary. Definitely one of the funniest and delightfully strangest offerings of the year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
TejasNairOct 16, 2019
I was not too impressed with The Art of Self-Defense despite the subtle comedy and wordplay that is so peculiar about this comedy crime drama, the perfect casting of and therefore the brilliant performance by Jesse Eisenberg, and the finalI was not too impressed with The Art of Self-Defense despite the subtle comedy and wordplay that is so peculiar about this comedy crime drama, the perfect casting of and therefore the brilliant performance by Jesse Eisenberg, and the final conclusion that I totally agree with. TN.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
alejandro970Sep 4, 2021
If you think Cobra Kai's teacher and students are savages, you haven't seen anything yet. With quite subtle black humor it explores the world of martial arts, from the perspective of a man who wants to rise from prey to hunter. What pleasesIf you think Cobra Kai's teacher and students are savages, you haven't seen anything yet. With quite subtle black humor it explores the world of martial arts, from the perspective of a man who wants to rise from prey to hunter. What pleases are those unexpected twists, especially in the last act.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
JLuis_001Oct 18, 2019
Perhaps based on his image and considering the character it might be a bit rude for Jesse Eisenberg to be the actor chosen to play a wimp trying to find his violent side, because you know, he doesn't look at all like a violent guy but he fitsPerhaps based on his image and considering the character it might be a bit rude for Jesse Eisenberg to be the actor chosen to play a wimp trying to find his violent side, because you know, he doesn't look at all like a violent guy but he fits perfectly.

But it goes without saying that this was a pleasant surprise.
A strange black comedy that despite its apparent simplicity hides a throbbing darkness in all its protagonists.
They don´t show it with the naked eye but for some reason you intuit it. It's not predictable and yet you know there's something strange, although deep down it's still a story about learning to stand up for yourself, In this case, taking karate classes that seem simple at first but then things change dramatically.

The Art of Self Defense can be considered a satire rather than a comedy but the style is quite pleasant although it depends a lot on what you might think is funny or not. Maybe the story seems darker than what you would expect but honestly that's a benefit rather than a disadvantage.

I was waiting for this film and it fulfilled me. Quite recommended.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
amheretojudgeOct 3, 2019
Jesse Eisenberg's comic timing is simply on the mark, you are waiting for him to take charge and you'll keep waiting.

The Art Of Self-Defense Riley Stearns gets weird kicks out of awkward situations. Ipso facto, the film. Actually I findJesse Eisenberg's comic timing is simply on the mark, you are waiting for him to take charge and you'll keep waiting.

The Art Of Self-Defense

Riley Stearns gets weird kicks out of awkward situations. Ipso facto, the film. Actually I find this film similar to Scott Cooper's Out Of The Furnace. Of course, the theme it speaks so enthusiastically and not the platform it chooses. Although, I'd say that despite the way it is endorsed, the film doesn't just portray the masculinity issues that are in America and in its houses. In that aspect, it is certainly more international. Global. The film fits perfectly into the current wave of change that we have all experienced over the past few years regarding the equality in opportunity and respect.

And the film has a tactile approach to these themes with darker allegory. It is really easy to cross the line between what is funny and what is not. And the writer and director Stearns uses that same logic in every frame of the film. Pulling off one of the most difficult jobs in.. let's call it, art form. And that is differentiating humor from drama and vice versa and still walk along with them. And as I say, the film does invent a new strategy.

Provides a new solution to deconstruct the system of our society and build a new one. A proper one. And it also repetitively debunks the one that we are still using, to be precise, the other films are. But what Stearns forgets in order to do so, is that inevitably it is deriving the same tactics. All that effort and all that practice, for that same not just the result but the procedure. The montage sequences is something he couldn't lose his tail from. So we are back to zero when the film ends. And that is really sad. The Art Of Self-Defense is still admirable than those campaign ads, but remember, I'd still have to compare it to what's commercially motivated.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
GrantD243Oct 30, 2019
My gosh, I was completely caught off guard by The Art of Self-Defense in the best way possible. I honestly thought this was a simple comedy about Jesse Eisenberg's character slowly learning karate. I figured it'd be the ol' "he sucks so badMy gosh, I was completely caught off guard by The Art of Self-Defense in the best way possible. I honestly thought this was a simple comedy about Jesse Eisenberg's character slowly learning karate. I figured it'd be the ol' "he sucks so bad it's funny at first but he gets really good by the end" storyline... This is...not that. Well, I mean, it kind of is? He does get pretty good at karate by the end of the film, but this is not a universe that's really grounded in reality at all. The humor is quirky, unpredictable, and consistently funny and the story is far more interesting than you'd expect. I laughed out loud more at this film than any other film labeled as a comedy this year. It's just weird, man. And I love it. Jesse Eisenberg is great, too.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
bataguilaNov 4, 2019
entretenida,la historia es interesante, el guion da un giro cuando se vuelve surealista, me recuerda a pelis de Craig Zahler. El problema es que la 1ra media hora es muy pesada.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
BrunoVn00Apr 5, 2020
Oh. My God. This is definitely not the movie the trailers tell you it is. It's a movie that seems like a generic karate comedy but my God this was a lot more than that. The first act was a bit slow and there wasn't too much comedy (In fact, IOh. My God. This is definitely not the movie the trailers tell you it is. It's a movie that seems like a generic karate comedy but my God this was a lot more than that. The first act was a bit slow and there wasn't too much comedy (In fact, I think it starts almost in the same depressing tone as the Joker movie) and the comedy it is isn't that funny but once Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) starts taking karate lessons the movie starts to be a BLAST. The comedy is top notch and it doesn't rely in the typical jokes you might expect from a karate movie (Like characters falling down or characters failing spectacularly at doing something, etc). The characters are so fun to watch. The protagonist and antagonist are fleshed out perfectly. The rest of the characters are more like background characters but they fit well in the story. There's a lack of music, which is fine, I guess but it didn't fit the tone. I mean, this movie needed more music because for me, a movie without music is a lot more grounded in reality but this movie isn't really grounded. So it lacks score music and when there's score music is just extremely forgettable. I ADORED the twists and turns and how this movie turned out into something smart and pretty dense.

Overall, it's not a perfect movie, but it's a movie I would definitely rewatch. I'll just probably skip the first half hour.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
Mauro_LanariMar 12, 2020
(Mauro Lanari)
A minimalist "Fight Club" with the anthropological problematic supplanted by criticism of machismo. The black humor runs out at the first scene.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
robin006Aug 14, 2021
A very disappointing film from the director whose first film (Faults-2014) was spectacular! In this film, the story continues for a logical (and of course predictable) hour and twenty minutes. Suddenly everything breaks down! The dark comedyA very disappointing film from the director whose first film (Faults-2014) was spectacular! In this film, the story continues for a logical (and of course predictable) hour and twenty minutes. Suddenly everything breaks down! The dark comedy aspect of the story is revealed in an incomprehensible and stupid way!
If you want to enjoy karate and experience different tones at the same time, Karate Kid (and Cobra kai) will be the best choice. The Art of Self-Defense is a boring and offensive film. And of course it has nothing to do with karate.… Expand
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2
Willb006Feb 7, 2020
Boring movie that is a giant waste of time. Weird and not funny at all. Blech
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
geewahDec 26, 2020
One of the most underrated and original movies of 2019.
Eisenberg gives us one of his best performances in this zany dark comedy.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
risonyeongJul 23, 2021
any movie with jesse e. will not be straightfwd and will eventually b unnerving.
i enjoyed his acting and pretty accurate characterization. this movie keeps u on edge all the time, knowing sth bad or horrific is going to happen. not sure toany movie with jesse e. will not be straightfwd and will eventually b unnerving.
i enjoyed his acting and pretty accurate characterization. this movie keeps u on edge all the time, knowing sth bad or horrific is going to happen. not sure to who. every scene is so tense, including the german shepherd in his house. compared to social network, this is not his best outing but definitely worth the while.
very unusual film. makes me wanna learn karate....… Expand
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6
Gamzguy17Aug 21, 2021
Serves up some laughs, but has a potent message to deliver through some very dark, albeit humorously aware, scenes. It's a fine curiosity to check out for more serious movie goers. Casual audiences may find the deliberately stilted directionServes up some laughs, but has a potent message to deliver through some very dark, albeit humorously aware, scenes. It's a fine curiosity to check out for more serious movie goers. Casual audiences may find the deliberately stilted direction a bit too much.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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