Cutie and the Boxer

For decades, Ushio Shinohara has been regarded as a leader alternative artist.  He creates dazzling sculptures from cardboard.  He is best known for his "action" painting, which involves boxing a canvas.  Despite his reputation, he is still a struggling artist.

While his career maintains a status quo, his whife Noriko Shinohara is gaining prominence for her paintings.  Ushio and Noriko met in 1969, when he was 41 and she was a 19 year old art student.  She put her career on hold to assist him and maintain their home.  Forty years later, she is ready to emerge from his shadow and be recognized as an artist on her own.  She created a series of drawings, inspired by their relationship, titled "Cutie and the Bullie."


I discovered this film after it was nominated for an Oscar, it sounded intriguing and was available through Netflix instant streaming, so I decided to give it a shot.  First time director Zachary Heinzerling won the "Best Director Award" at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.  He chose to follow the Shinohara's at work and at home, while also incorporating home movies and promotional materials to show their 40+ year relationship.

It is an interesting film, with art imitating life.  Ultimately, the film title perfectly sums up who they are: Cutie for Noriko's "Cutie & the Bullie" drawings, and Boxer for Ushio's unique style of art and personality.  Definitely recommended.

Cutie and the Boxer (2013) 81 minutesDirector: Zachary Heinzerling
Starring: Ushio Shinohara
Noriko Shinohara