Movie discovery

Explore stories across every screen

CrimeYear1985Duration1h 24mIMDb6.6

Self Defense

CrimeDramaThriller

A gay bar is hit by a group of sociopaths, and all the patrons are killed except for one man who escapes and takes refuge in an apartment occupied by a group of friends, who will do anything they can to protect him and survive the siege.

Trailer

Cast

PD

Paul Donovan

Director

MO

Maura O'Connell

Director

Tom Nardini

Horatio

Brenda Bazinet

Barbara

Daryl Haney

Chester

Terry-David Després

Daniel

Jack Blum

Patrick

Keith Knight

Steve

Doug Lennox

Cabe

Jeff Pustil

Goose

FW

Fred Wadden

Ian

GD

Gary Dempster

Lloyd

Dennis O'Connor

Clark

RC

Richard Collins

Rosie

AO

Allison Outhit

Punk

Tricia Fish

Punk

VP

Vicky Price

Punk

MM

Mike McKinnon

Punk

BL

Beth Lachance

Goose's Wife

Joseph Rutten

Car Owner

PD

Paul Donovan

Writer

MV

Marc Vautour

Writer

Comments

10 Comments

✅🇲🇦الأناني🇲🇦✅May 29, 2023

source: Self Defense

Lateef AdedimejiNov 16, 2022

Self Defense

Abigail OcanseyNov 16, 2022

An entirely different spin on the siege genre using characters that you still rarely see in these kinds of films (queer, sight-impaired, etc). It manages to reside in the early 80s grindhouse/exploitation wheelhouse without ever fully stepping into the gratuitous. (Siege, 1983).

Kakyire 😎Nov 16, 2022

This film is definitely worth a watch if you like violent stand off films like Straw dogs, Assault on Precient 13 , v.f.w. And other similar films. The good guys use clever methods to fend off their attackers. Acting was fair to good . Tension builds nicely. This film is a good candidate for a remake and update. The leader of the villain is portrayed well as an ice cold killer. Runtime is sufficient. The films appeal is the tension and violent deaths,, and it is real life horror that could happen. The score is well done and creepy. The film held my interest from start to finish.. I liked it and suggest you consider watching.

🇲🇦ولد الشرق🇲🇦Nov 16, 2022

After seeing some reviews and the description I was sort of psyched to see this one, i was expecting a good ole gory grindhouse crime film from how it was described by many. What i watched was a poorly acted, terribly written, with sub par SFX even for then, and overall boring.

danoNov 16, 2022

A pretty taut Canadian thriller that shares some similarities with Assault on Precinct 13. It's well shot and the acting isn't too bad either. A nice discovery on Shudder.

adilassilNov 16, 2022

Well, I saw Siege on VHS in the early 80's, and I still remember this movie, so I would like to see it once more. Can anybody help me here? I used to have this on VHS from England, and I think it was uncut, There was quite some blood in this movie. The story about an strike in Halifax police district, makes some bad cops(spoilers)we get the answer in the end. Take care of some people that are hiding an possible eye witness. So a gang of Police officers take the chance to wipe out this witness and her friends. lots of suspense and blood here. I highly recommend it- Please help me if you have any info on this movie is available on DVD. Terje W. I gave it an 8, (memory have seen it at least 20 times)

خود ولا خليNov 16, 2022

I first rented this out under the title Siege back in the 80s. This film needs an official release desperately. Cannot believe that it hasn't been done already. Siege motors along at a fast pace, no lulls, just scene upon scene of intense cat n mouse between a gang of murderous thugs n a group of people (in what looks like the most rundown n scuzziest building ever) who take in a survivor from the gangs previous assault. Shade of Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 n a cheeky wink towards Escape From New York, the gang take on more than they bargain for when the ever resourceful victims strike back. Solid acting all round n a sucker punch of a twist at the end. This is a must see..! Classic grindhouse..!

SyamelNov 16, 2022

One helluva good time. Gritty and chock full of spine-tingling suspense. Borrows a lot from Assault on Precinct 13 but manages to conjure plenty of creativity. A stellar choice to throw into a late-night movie bingeing session.

grini_fNov 16, 2022

This was a film I'd never even heard of until Shudder put it on their lineup and what a treat it is. It's clearly low budget, but has a lot of energy and spark as it details a siege in a gay bar where the survivor runs away into the night and takes shelter with a kind couple and their friends. The gang returns and wages an all-out battle. It has its flaws and the pacing could be tighter, but I'm surprised this one isn't very well remembered. It seems more relevant now than ever.

Featured Picks

Looking for more entertainment? Explore our recommended gaming hub and short-drama destination.

Instant Games

Gamixo

Play casual browser games with puzzles, cards, sports, and quick challenges ready in seconds.

Short Drama

VSKIT Drama

Watch trending mini-series, romance stories, and fresh short dramas with fast daily updates.