The Art of Self-Defense
Synopsis
Casey is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman fighting for her place in it.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2019-05-22
Top Cast
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Jesse Eisenberg
Casey
Alessandro Nivola
Sensei
Imogen Poots
Anna
Steve Terada
Thomas
David Zellner
Henry
Phillip Andre Botello
Kennith
Jason Burkey
Alex
Mike Brooks
Steve
C.J. Rush
Other Steve
Davey Johnson
Gun Store Owner
Hauke Bahr
Grant
Katherine Martin
Bakery Woman
Cameron Murphy
New White Belt
Nicholas Hulstine
Pickup Truck Driver
Lena Friedrich
French Girl
Louis Robert Thompson
Veterinarian
Dallas Edwards
Manuel
Katherine Smith-Rodden
Store Cashier
Release History & Theatrical Window
Streaming Window: 88 DaysMelbourne International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
July 12, 2019
Wide Cinema Exhibition
October 8, 2019
VOD & Digital Platforms
October 15, 2019
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$1.8M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$2.4M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
1.33x
+$600K net gain
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Riley Stearns
- Screenplay & Story
- Riley Stearns
- Original Score
- Heather McIntosh
- Original Title
- The Art of Self-Defense
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, French, German, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Production Budget
- $1.8M
- Worldwide Gross
- $2.4M
- Production Studios
- End Cue
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Riley Stearns
Riley Stearns
Heather McIntosh
Michael Ragen
Sarah Beth Shapiro
Nathan Zellner, David Zellner, Walter Kortschak, Andrew Kortschak, Stephanie Whonsetler
Department Leadership Roster
Riley Stearns
Director
Sarah Beth Shapiro
Editor
Walter Kortschak
Producer
Andrew Kortschak
Producer
Stephanie Whonsetler
Producer
Michael Ragen
Director of Photography
Charlotte Royer
Production Design
Heather McIntosh
Original Music Composer
Riley Stearns
Screenplay
Jami Villers
Costume Design
Mindy Kelly
Stunt Coordinator
Cody Ryder
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature Accompanied — Restricted to persons 15 and older.
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Art of Self-Defense.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Art of Self-Defense.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Art of Self-Defense
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Art of Self-Defense about?
Casey is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei in an effort to learn how to defend himself. What he uncovers is a sinister world of fraternity, violence and hypermasculinity and a woman fighting for her place in it.
Who directed The Art of Self-Defense?
The Art of Self-Defense was directed by Riley Stearns.
Who stars in The Art of Self-Defense?
The principal cast of The Art of Self-Defense includes Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots, Steve Terada, David Zellner.
When was The Art of Self-Defense released and how long is it?
The Art of Self-Defense was released in 2019 with a total runtime of 1h 44m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Art of Self-Defense?
The Art of Self-Defense had a reported production budget of $1.8M and grossed $2.4M at the worldwide box office (1.33 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).
Who composed the musical score for The Art of Self-Defense?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Art of Self-Defense was composed by Heather McIntosh.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Art of Self-Defense?
The Art of Self-Defense holds official age classifications: AU: MA15+ (Mature Accompanied — Restricted to persons 15 and older.); CA: R; DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).