The very psychologically dark film The Art of Self-Defense is nicely written, has a team of very good actors and takes a kick at Martial Arts. Although it’s a work of fiction, the film tends to show a negative side of the sport with the teaching techniques shown and the adverse effect of their misuse. Very aggressive and violent the story is more of a horror film that takes you into the dojo of a deranged grand master.
Mild and mannered accountant Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenberg) has been the joke of the office where he works because of his kindness. His fellow workers think he is a kiss-ass because he’s too protective of their boss. One night while walking home from the nearby grocery store with a bag of dog food he gets accosted and beaten severely landing him in the hospital.
One afternoon after checking out a pistol at a gun store, he walks down the street and looks in the window of a Karate school where he sees instructor Anna (Imogen Poots) teaching kids to kick and punch. Going in and observing, he’s approached by the Sensei (Alessandro Nivola) and owner of the school. After a selling pitch Casey decides to sign up for classes.
It’s a new beginning for Casey and he’s a quick learner. Director and screenwriter Riley Stearns does an excellent job of setting up his audience before diving into the work-outs and psychological teachings of his main character. He the sets up Casey on a path to protecting himself and learning self-discipline. Then he changes direction with a more devious plot that takes his audience into the mind of the Sensei. It’s a cool script and one of the better films I’ve seen this year, but not as a comedy and more of a shock fantasy.
As the deranged Sensei (Karate Instructor) Alessandro Nivola provides his best work so far in his 49 credits career. Here he’s cunning, controlling and dynamic as he teaches his adult night students and energizes them to work hard at the skills. He’s also a business man that’s concerned and wants his dojo (training area) to survive since attracting new members has been tough. I like the way he works on Casey’s mind to keep him on track so he doesn’t give up. It’s Nivola at his most forceful keeping his character in control.
Jesse Eisenberg does his usual best and here as Casey Davies he’s the perfect nerd accountant that knows nothing about self-defense except to cower away. When he gets mugged by the motor cycle gang however, he’s had enough and looks for a way to make sure it never happens again. As he gets strong and learns the Karate moves, his inner ego takes over making him feel invincible. The character he forms makes the film work and turns it into a winner.
I like the film and found it a very good gripping tale of reaching down deep and finding your inner strength. The lessons and discipline of the sport, if taken for good reason, builds the propensity to defend yourself if need be. The Art of Self-Defense however, does have some drawbacks and the most obvious one is that it shows a lack of justice for what the characters do.
The Art of Self-Defense has been rated R for violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and language. This is NOT a comedy although it does have some funny things happening during Casey’s early training.
FINAL ANALYSIS: One of the better films this year. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots
Directed and written by: Riley Stearns
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
MPAA Rating: R for violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and language
Running Time: 1 hr. 44 min.
Opening Date: July 19, 2019
Distributed by: Bleeker Street
Released in: Standard, Color
Opening at the following West Florida theaters:
AMC West Shore 14 – Tampa
AMC Woodland Square 20 – Oldsmar
AMC Highwoods 20- New Port Richey
AMC Veterans Expressway 24- Tampa
Lakeside Village 18 & Imax- Lakeland
Regal Hollywood 20 – Sarasota
Regal Park Place Stadium 16- Pinellas Park
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
