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Synopsis

In the darkly comedic film The Art of Self-Defense (2019), Casey, a timid and introverted man played by Jesse Eisenberg, finds himself the victim of a random street attack that shatters his sense of safety and self-worth. In a bid to reclaim his confidence, he enrolls in a local dojo led by the enigmatic and magnetic Sensei, portrayed with eerie charisma by Alessandro Nivola. However, what begins as a journey towards self-defense quickly morphs into a descent into a bizarre and toxic world steeped in hypermasculinity, where the lines between empowerment and aggression blur dangerously.

As Casey navigates this strange new reality, he encounters a vibrant cast of characters—each embodying various facets of masculinity and the societal pressures that come with it. The film cleverly critiques traditional notions of manhood while also spotlighting the struggles of Anna (Imogen Poots), a woman fighting to carve her own identity within this male-dominated environment. With its sharp wit and unsettling undertones, The Art of Self-Defense invites viewers to ponder the absurdities of toxic masculinity and the lengths to which one must go to assert their identity. It's a thought-provoking exploration wrapped in a unique blend of comedy, crime, and drama that keeps you both entertained and reflective.

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