Movie Review: Cutie and the Boxer (2013)
Written by Anthony Sargon
First-time director Zachary Heinzerling has crafted something truly special and memorable with “Cutie and the Boxer.” The documentary gives audiences a candid and honest look into the lives of Ushio and Noriko Shinohora, an aging Japanese couple who moved to Brooklyn decades ago to pursue their careers as artists. While Ushio has experienced a decent level of success and notoriety, it hasn’t necessarily led to a big bank account. As the documentary plays on, we learn more and more about this strange and unique couple, their past, and where they might be headed in the future.
What I loved about “Cutie and the Boxer” is that it’s as much about Ushio and Noriko’s relationship as it is about art. While it’s clear that the couple still shares a deep connection, they’ve certainly encountered a few hardships that have now just begun to seep into Noriko’s art. You see, Ushio has always been kind of self-centered. He refers to himself as a “genius” while his wife is just his “assistant”, claiming that the “average one must always support the genius.” What Ushio fails to see, however, is that Noriko is also extremely talented, and she’s no longer satisfied with being Ushio’s assitant, but wants to flourish and make it on her own (and she most certainly has the talent to do so).
What makes this documentary so brilliant is the fact that it addresses so much by simply showing us how Ushio and Noriko interact and speak with one another. It also perfectly represents what it’s like to be a struggling artist. Ushio has been making sculptures and “boxing” paintings (he wears boxing gloves drenched in paint, shuts his eyes, and punches a canvas for two minutes) for over 40 years, but still struggles to pay his rent. There’s some archival footage in the film that shows a younger and completely wasted Ushio crying to his friends about his love for art and life, but also about how difficult it is to work so hard for such little recognition. It’s really powerful stuff, and it makes you think about the countless other talented artists who are in the same boat.
But the film can also be very hopeful. Inspired by her life with Ushio, Noriko has become enamored with her latest creation; “Cutie”, a naked lady with pigtails who slowly dominates her bullish husband, “Bullie.” In many respects, Cutie represents Noriko breaking out of her shell and coming into her own, which may just be what this couple needs. I seriously commend Zachary Heinzerling for letting Ushio and Noriko’s story play out in such an organic way, and his minimalist approach is just what this documentary needed.
The Verdict:
“Cutie and the Boxer” is a delightful documentary with plenty to say about art, love, and marriage. I highly recommend it.
Numerical Score: 9/10
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