The Art of Self-Defense (2019)

Awards
- 5 nominations

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

An atypical martial arts twisted satire with hidden depths and an absurdly dark undertone

"The Art of Self Defense" follows a wimp accountant who is attacked and enlists in a Karate school. Jesse Eisenberg is made to play main role giving the character depth and nuance as he travels an arc of change from quiet, frightened, neurotic accountant to self-assured fighter. Movie, in general, tackles some pretty heavy, socially-relevant topics, most notably male/female masculinity. The film is little bit inconsistent, but the overall morbid, bleak tone keeps it relevant in today's admittedly violent culture. It means also that the film's tone certainly won't work for everyone, because it will polarize audiences, but viewers accustomed to finding laughs in the darkest corners will have a great time.

RATING: 6. Be aware, this movie is not for everyone.