Ushio Shinohara, known as "Goo-chan," wears gloves with sponges attached, dips them in paint, and punches the canvas. In the 1960s, he was active with the unit "Neo-Dadaism" alongside artists like Genpei Akasegawa. He was also the first in Japan to sport a mohawk. In 1969, he moved to the United States on a scholarship from the Rockefeller Foundation III and has been based in New York ever since.

Their spacious two-story loft in Brooklyn is filled with their artworks.

Their two-story loft is packed with their artworks.

The motorcycle series made from cardboard is one of Ushio's signature works.

However, there is no toilet door here. Buckets are needed when it rains due to leaks. While known as a trendy area now, it was considered a dangerous neighborhood 30 years ago when they moved from SoHo, making it unsafe to go out at night.

The film came about five years ago when journalist Patrick Burns (a producer of the film) brought director Zachary Heinzerling to meet the couple.

Noriko recalls, "Initially, the filming naturally focused on Ushio, and Patrick and Zack were praising his art and personality, saying, 'Ushio's art is wonderful, his personality is wonderful.' I interrupted them, saying, 'Wait a minute, it's not that simple.' When I showed them my comic series, 'Cutie and Bullie,' they fell silent. That seemed to make them reconsider."

Noriko moved to the US in 1972 at the age of 19. She was pursuing her dream of becoming an artist and funded her studies herself, which was unusual at the time for students from affluent backgrounds.

She met Ushio, who was 41 at the time, and they moved in together the following month, an episode featured in the film. Soon after, she became pregnant and gave birth to their son, Alexander Kūkai, marking the beginning of their life as parents.

Since 2007, Noriko has been creating a series of works titled "Cutie and Bullie." The name "Bullie" is a play on words, referencing Ushio's nickname "Gyu" (bull) and the word "bully." In Japanese, it translates roughly to "Cutie and the Bully."

Noriko, who still possesses a youthful aura, depicts her alter ego, Cutie, and Ushio's alter ego, Bullie, in her works. The comics are spiced with humor, sensuality, and sharp remarks like, "Don't take away my freedom."

Noriko continues, "At the time, Zack (director Zachary Heinzerling) was only 24, like a child. He started spending so much time with us that it felt like our home became an orphanage. We're artists, so it was like a group of homeless children gathered together."

During filming. Director Zachary Heinzerling is on the left.

Ushio Shinohara (left) and Noriko

Heinzerling then filmed the entire "Cutie and Bullie" series and created some animated sequences using a computer.

"I was surprised, thinking, 'Wow, this can be done!' I had dreamed of animating my comics, but I never thought it would be possible due to the cost. Although it was simple animation, it showed me the possibilities."

In September 2010, Heinzerling produced a three-minute trailer and submitted it to the "San Francisco Film Society," where it won the "Golden Gate Award." The $20,000 prize money helped complete the film.

We asked the couple for their thoughts on the film.

Ushio commented, "I was disappointed. The boxing painting scenes shot in the park were cut, and the film became a love story. It lacked the core elements that delve into the secrets of Ushio's art, so I wasn't interested." Noriko retorted, "You're not interested because you're not the main character, right? (laughs)"

The film also incorporates a lot of past footage shot on home video, including precious scenes of Ushio drunkenly breaking down in tears.

Their marriage is now in its 41st year.

Ushio explains, "I've been accustomed to being filmed since the 1960s. I love being filmed so much that I feel I can't create without an audience. So, I acted it out myself. There's a scene in the movie where I bring home a wad of cash and sniff it, right? That was my acting."

Noriko adds, "At that point, I say, 'You don't actually have enough money, do you?' But the scene where I say, 'I have to pay $4,000 in rent, but I only have $3,000!' was cut. They softened the editing because I was too harsh (laughs)."

The film's charm lies in Noriko's sharp dialogue, scattered throughout.

What cutting words!

At screenings in the US, many men have expressed their empathy, saying, "In my house, I'm the Cutie."

Noriko says, "After watching the movie, I thought, 'My life is so pathetic.' The parts showing Ushio and me are filmed too beautifully. When Ushio leaves for Japan with his suitcase, I tell him, 'You don't have to come back' (laughs)."

What sets this film apart from typical artist documentaries is that it depicts the couple's raw, everyday struggles, such as not being able to pay their monthly rent. It vividly conveys the financial hardships faced even by renowned artists.

A surprisingly youthful Noriko in a swimsuit!

The film showcases the couple's raw daily lives.

Ushio admits, "We've tried to run away from home many times." Hearing this, Noriko adds, "He's terrible. He ran away to Japan and told me to go back to my parents' house because he was going back to his ex-wife. Can you believe that?"

Ushio responds, "Well, when you're an artist in New York, you get cornered, and these fantasies arise. If you have a steady job, you don't have time to paint. But in New York, regardless of such things, top artists from around the world gather and compete fiercely. You have to focus on your art to stand a chance. It's a battle."

After his time with "Neo-Dadaism" in the 1960s, Ushio moved to the US in 1969 and has been based in New York ever since.

Noriko adds, "I came to study abroad, but I ended up with a man 20 years my senior. My parents' financial support stopped, and I couldn't go back home. I was living without even enough money for the airport, and there was no guarantee of financial support if I returned to Japan."

At that time, one dollar was 360 yen, and the tips earned by working as a waitress in a Japanese restaurant were enough to support a family.

Reflecting on that time, Noriko shares an anecdote: "Someone offered to help me find a job at a restaurant. Ushio asked, 'What do you think?' I replied, 'Are you kidding me? You should dress up as a woman and work instead!' (laughs). He was drinking every day. His life lacked any real 'living.'"

"Normally, a couple would work together. But we had no money, so we waited every day for someone to bring us alcohol. Then, crazy artists and drunks would visit constantly, and I ended up playing the role of a maid. If I worked myself to exhaustion every day, who would do the cleaning and childcare?"

The fact that they didn't separate despite these circumstances makes their strong bond undeniable.

Noriko says, "Separating is the ideal scenario. But divorce is a luxury for the rich. It's hard enough to pay rent, and we're asking the landlord for extensions, so we can't afford double the rent." Ushio countered, "We'd have marital disputes, and I'd yell, 'Get out!' Then Noriko would say, 'You get out!' That would put me in a difficult position."

When they lived in their SoHo loft, they once fell behind on rent. Noriko, carrying their baby, went to negotiate with the landlord. Her pleas allowed them to defer the rent, but they ended up owing eight months' worth, an astonishing amount.

"Then, a miracle happened in New York," says Ushio. "My work sold, and we were able to pay all the back rent at once. That felt great."

Ushio explains, "I'm an artist. Once a piece is finished, I lose interest and move on to the next. I sometimes give away or sell my work cheaply to acquaintances. Seeing this, Noriko started helping me out."

Noriko, who serves as Ushio's secretary, manager, and chef, has played many roles as his right-hand woman. Her own creative journey took a turn in 2007.

One day, she found a wine bottle box she had acquired interesting because it resembled a house. This inspired her to create similar objects from cardboard. On the back of these, she began drawing "Cutie and Bullie," which were well-received at a group exhibition at the Japan Society.

Noriko's talent blossomed with her "Cutie and Bullie" series.

Noriko shares, "Until then, no matter how large a painting I created or how many exhibitions I held, I couldn't be sure I was an artist. My previous works were learned from past masters; I never felt, 'This is my original creation!' But in my 41st year, I finally felt I had created something truly my own. For the first time, I felt like an artist to my core."

How did Ushio feel seeing himself depicted in Noriko's work?

"It's funny seeing myself getting punched and kicked. And Noriko is so skilled; she has great expressive power."

Noriko recalls, "At first, Ushio said, 'This isn't art. Why are you drawing this?' But as 'Cutie and Bullie' gained recognition, my work became more prominent. When Zack started filming, these developments were just beginning, which is why the film's title became 'Cutie & Boxer.'"

Original artwork from Noriko's "Cutie and Bullie" series.

The boxer used in Ushio's signature "boxing painting."

Despite her sharp words, Noriko's deep affection for Ushio, who serves as her creative inspiration, resonates with the audience.

Noriko continues, "It would be a waste not to use such an interesting subject right beside me (laughs). If I didn't have to worry about rent, I could dedicate more time to art, but if my work were selling well, I wouldn't have created the 'Bullie' character."

Ushio has been based in New York since 1969. We asked him about the significance of being an artist in New York.

"New York is the cutting edge of the world. The competition is fierce. America only has contemporary art, and galleries are concentrated there. Curators and critics are highly educated and offer rigorous critiques. They don't hold back just because they're paid. That's rewarding. Not selling fuels my energy. If I sold well, I'd become complacent."

Ushio's inspiration comes from shonen manga. His bookshelf is lined with titles like "Detective Conan" and "One Piece," creating an impressive display.

"I've always pushed myself to break new ground. Manga has to sell, so it's a serious competition. That's what I like about it. There are plenty of artists who just lounge around, taking morning baths and drinking all day. You need passion."

Ushio's favorite reads, "Detective Conan" and "One Piece," line his bookshelf.

Ushio states, "Not selling is my energy source."

What does the future hold for them as artists?

Noriko speaks first. "We're planning to publish a book of 'Cutie and Bullie.' An American publisher has already been decided. My next dream is to turn it into an animation."

Inspired by the film, Ushio seems to have a new dream. "I went to a film festival in Missouri. After the screening, when I went on stage, the audience gave me a standing ovation. There were over 1,500 people. Movie audiences react so directly with their appreciation. In a museum, everyone is quiet. I want to create art that excites people like that. Art that makes people feel something so intensely."

Ushio Shinohara, an artist who continues to fight on the avant-garde front, carrying the passionate spirit of the 1960s. And Noriko Shinohara, who has blossomed as an artist with her "Cutie and Bullie" series – charming, sharp, and humorous.

Watching the film "Cutie and the Boxer," which portrays the unconventional lives of this couple, one realizes that terms like "ordinary" or "common sense" hold no meaning. Witnessing the youthful spirit of Noriko, who remains like a young girl, and Ushio, the eternal mischievous boy, one understands that an unaging spirit is the true essence of eternal youth.

The film is scheduled for release in Japan in December. We hope you will experience the charm of these two exceptional artists in theaters.

'Cutie & Boxer'
Opens Saturday, December 21st, at Cinema Rise and nationwide.
Director: Zachary Heinzerling
Executive Producers: Lydia Dean Pilcher, Kiki Miyake
Producers: Sierra Pettengill, Patrick Burns, Zachary Heinzerling
Starring: Ushio Shinohara, Noriko Shinohara
Cinematography: Zachary Heinzerling
Editing: David Teague
Music: Yasuaki Shimizu
http://www.cutieandboxer.com/