Watch Cutie And The Boxer

Cutie And The Boxer is a documentary film directed by Zachary Heinzerling that explores the lives and relationship of two Japanese artists, Ushio and Noriko Shinohara. The title of the film is inspired by one of Ushio's most famous works, a series of paintings called "Boxing Painting" that he creates by punching canvas with paint-covered gloves.

The film follows the Shinoharas as they navigate their artistic careers and struggle with their relationship, which has been complicated by Ushio's alcoholism and Noriko's long-standing feelings of neglect. Ushio is a self-proclaimed "boxing painter" who came to New York City in the 1960s to make a name for himself in the art world. His work is known for its bold and visceral style, and he has exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

Noriko, on the other hand, is a talented artist in her own right, but she has spent most of her career in the shadow of Ushio's larger-than-life personality. In recent years, however, she has gained more recognition for her colorful, cartoonish depictions of herself and Ushio in their daily life.

The film is structured around the preparation for Noriko's upcoming art show, which is set to feature a series of paintings called "Cutie and Bullie" that she has been working on for several years. The paintings are a reflection of her complicated relationship with Ushio, and they depict a sweet and innocent character called Cutie who is constantly being chased and tormented by a bullying figure named Bullie.

Throughout the film, we see snippets of Ushio and Noriko's life together - their creative process, their interactions with each other, and the struggles they face as they try to make ends meet in a rapidly-changing art world. We see Ushio preparing for a new exhibit of his own, which he hopes will bring him more success and recognition, while Noriko works tirelessly to finish her paintings and prepare for her big debut.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is the way it delves into the dynamics of Ushio and Noriko's relationship. On the surface, they seem like two artists who are deeply in love and committed to each other's success. But as the film progresses, we start to see the cracks in their relationship - the way Ushio's drinking puts a strain on their finances and their emotional connection, and the way Noriko struggles to assert herself as an artist and a separate entity from Ushio.

Still, there are moments of tenderness and humor that shine through in the film. We see Ushio's childlike enthusiasm for his work, his love for his wife, and the way he dotes on his son, Alex. We see Noriko's determination to succeed as an artist, and the way she channels her frustrations into her paintings.

Ultimately, Cutie And The Boxer is a complex and compassionate portrait of two artists who have spent their lives pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. It's a film about love, sacrifice, and the creative process, and it offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a unique and inspiring couple.

Cutie And The Boxer is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 83.