'The Art of Self Defense' Movie Review

Well it looks like I finally found my comical character embodiment. This review may contain spoilers, but if you like sarcastic humor and awkward introversion in abundance this movie will have you laughing before the first five minutes!

Casey Davies (Jesse Eisenburg) starts off in the movie rocking back and forth over his uneaten plate of food alone in a restaurant. Even though he is saying no words, I can tell initially that he automatically captured his character. Casey is in his mid-thirties, is single, openly not dealing with the crude, and sometimes openly sexual banter that "harder" masculine co-workers did. There is a star quality in that Davies is trying his hardest to fit in social circles, and his only hobbies are playing with his tiny puppy and becoming a wiz at French. It appears that he has little to no outward reactions to emotions, and is in self-protection mode.

The twist in the movie happens when Casey is trekking to the grocery store in the middle of the night when his dog ran out of food. He goes without fear, and his wallet (containing a gift card to a local restaurant). On his way home about five motorcyclist jump him, kicking him so badly that he suffers trauma, and almost life threatening injuries. Out of fear, Casey goes to the store to consider a gun from a superstore to protect himself. But, it is not a surprise when he stumbles upon a karate studio. This place seems like it's been in business for a long time, that it is run down, but the way that the local shy girls, and strong women go to learn how to be powerful. This automatically draws Casey, and it changes him, in many ways that will be revealed throughout the film. Twists are an understatement, shock, and unfortunate events happen throughout the film, but the star quality of Jesse Einseburg remains.

What fascinated me was the play on masculinity. The movie made a lot of references to what and how men should act. It brought all the watchers to many chuckles when they proposed that real men should speak Russian or German, not allow women to advance above certain ranks, and always meet threats with violence, and harmful words. The movie made me expand my own perceptions of what acceptable masculinity should look like. I find that this "show" to prove that a guy is masculine enough is very toxic, and does not allow space for sensitivity to be taken seriously, or any sort of passiveness. I think that it was interesting how Casey's character was seen as a rarity. He was not a man that would be deemed socially in progress or in the "general American order" of settling down. He lived very successfully, and contently on his own, but the only thing he wanted was confidence, and more community.

This was a good idea to show to our younger generation, that following the silly rules and customs that are seen as "appropriate" do not make you better or worse. At the end of the movie true masculinity was defined by inclusion, overcoming your fears, expanding your community, and living proudly just as you are. This movie did have its moments of adult content, but I was moved by its capturing of a character that is very common in reality. The "big screen" gave the entire movie to a man that was not supposed to be the typical action hero that is brawny or crass. Casey describes the inner critic in any of us, and we all get a chance to break those boxes, and be who we are without having to fit in any categories. I would recommend seeing this film if you are of age, and I would hope that you take away from it that power is on the inside of you. When we let go of fear, doubt, and find that struggle into our own selves we can create impactful, and adventurous lives.

Here is the Trailer! Much Love to all of my readers. <3