I Was Surprised That The Cut Is A Boxing Movie Without Much Fighting At All, And Orlando Bloom And John Turturro Made A Good Point About Why

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Boxing movies often follow a familiar pattern, and usually deliver a good story. However, the upcoming film The Cut, directed by Sean Ellis, breaks from that tradition. I was surprised to find it doesn’t focus much on actual boxing matches. Stars Orlando Bloom and John Turturro recently discussed this unique approach with TopMob.

In the film The Cut, Orlando Bloom portrays an unnamed Irish boxer who comes out of retirement hoping for one last championship. To be able to compete, he has to endure a severely strict and punishing weight loss program. When TopMob asked Bloom about the film’s limited boxing action, he explained:

What I really appreciate about this film is its different approach. I’ve always enjoyed boxing movies – films like Raging Bull and even Rocky were favorites growing up – and they usually center on the physical fight itself. But for us, the real battle is internal, a mental challenge, as one of our fighters puts it. I also love the training sequences in those classic boxing films, and I think this movie offers a really innovative spin on a genre that’s seen a lot of success.

Although you might anticipate a boxing movie focusing on the fight itself, this film is actually more concerned with the extreme weight loss boxers often endure to find suitable opponents. Bloom observes that the movie feels unique because it explores the psychological challenges fighters face, rather than just the physical ones. While films like Raging Bull also delve into complex themes within a boxing context, The Cut still manages to feel original.

You can now watch The Cut on Paramount+, which costs as little as $7.99 per month or $59.99 per year. They also offer an ad-free Premium plan for $12.99 a month. Consider an annual subscription to save money. View the deal here.

Orlando Bloom faced a significant mental challenge while preparing for the film. He lost 30 pounds in just three months to realistically portray the character, a process he described as difficult and not recommended for others. He shared that he arrived on set at his lowest weight and that the climactic scene, The Cut, was filmed last. Afterwards, he had to quickly regain the weight, leading him to eat constantly and whatever he could find.

Others agree that the movie feels different too, including John Turturro. He plays the unusual boxing coach tasked with helping Bloom’s character reach his target weight. When asked about the lack of fighting in the film, Turturro explained his thoughts like this:

I think ‘fresh’ really captures the essence of this. It’s about the process of getting somewhere, and that journey can be just as compelling as the destination itself. It takes courage to attempt something like this, and that’s really evident in the film through Orlando’s transformation. The movie isn’t just about external conflict; it’s about his internal struggle, and that’s the core of the story.

Ellis’ film, written by Justin Bull, received generally positive feedback after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. In an interview with Box Office Pro, the director explained that he wanted to move beyond the often unrealistic training sequences common in boxing movies and explore a more relatable, human side of the sport.

The film’s unique approach really worked for it. While The Cut focuses on an internal, psychological battle rather than physical action, it still delivers a surprising and gripping conclusion. If you’re interested in thought-provoking films, it’s currently available to stream on Paramount+ and can also be rented or purchased digitally. And if you enjoy sports movies, be sure to check out some other great ones too.

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2025-11-02 01:08