# The Art of Self-Defense (2019)

> A timid bookkeeper seeking confidence through karate is drawn into an authoritarian dojo where empowerment becomes inseparable from violence.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/248536

## Facts

- Runtime: 104 min
- Genres: Comedy, Thriller, Drama, Mystery
- Director: Riley Stearns
- Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots, Steve Terada, David Zellner, Phillip Andre Botello, Jason Burkey, Mike Brooks
- TMDB rating: 6.6/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7339248/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: brutal
- Mood: deadpan, sardonic, disturbing, late night viewing, dark comedy marathon

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- [Promising Young Woman (2020)](https://ember.film/movie/407220)
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- [Cat Person (2023)](https://ember.film/movie/600757)
- [Take Me (2017)](https://ember.film/movie/286762)
- [Ninja (2009)](https://ember.film/movie/15185)
- [Faults (2014)](https://ember.film/movie/139040)

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