The Cut – REVIEW

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Initially, we misunderstood The Cut to be a biopic of London’s infamous mayor Sadiq Khan. However, upon closer inspection, we realized the title was incorrect by one letter. Contrary to our initial assumptions, this film is not about boxing in its traditional sense but rather focuses on the rigorous preparation process, offering a unique perspective within the genre. Orlando Bloom portrays an unnamed boxer who, after intentionally losing a title bout, now works as a trainer at his gym in Ireland alongside his wife Caitlin (Caitrona Balfe). Both are dedicated individuals, but Bloom’s character is tormented by his past demons, with his single mother (Clare Dunn) struggling to make ends meet as a sex worker. There’s an unsettling connection between the mother’s profession and her son’s later struggle, while Bloom’s boxer grapples with lifelong trauma stemming from a specific incident involving his mother.

As a seasoned movie critic, I found myself drawn into a compelling tale of redemption and grit, set against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas. The protagonist, our heavyweight boxer, finds himself in a precarious situation: thirty pounds overweight, barely a week to shed it all before his title fight. Initial attempts at dieting and exercise seem futile, and it’s apparent that traditional methods won’t cut it.

Enter Boz (John Turturro), a man who embodies the phrase “any means necessary.” Dieting? Forget about it. Workouts are for the weak-hearted. Instead, Boz subjects our boxer to an excruciating regimen that borders on the illegal and inhumane. The journey is as grueling to watch as it is for the boxer to endure.

Boz’s methods are relentless, pushing our protagonist to his physical and emotional limits. Sweat is extracted with an unyielding ferocity, blood is drawn, and drugs are administered frequently, placing our boxer in perilously dangerous conditions. The scenes depicting Boz’s methods are harrowing, as there’s no safety net for the boxer – Turturro repeatedly warns him, “There is no ripcord!”

This movie offers a raw and unapologetic portrayal of determination, perseverance, and the lengths one will go to achieve their dreams. Despite its grim subject matter, it’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates gritty dramas with a touch of realism.

In a twist of fate, Orlando Bloom, who’s been away from the spotlight for over twenty years, is stepping into a pivotal career resurgence role as a boxer. Interestingly, this isn’t too far from his real-life situation. His dedication and commitment to the character are palpable, even to the extreme of simulating vomiting on screen. As the film unfolds, his physical transformation is evident. However, it’s Turturro who steals the limelight, underscoring his ability to excel in roles that suit him. In this role, he delivers a knockout performance, serving as a testament to his prowess on screen.

Here’s the trailer for ‘The Cut’…..

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2025-09-04 02:23