ActionCrimeDrama

Cut Throat City

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 21, 2020

Genre
Action, Crime, Drama

Cast & Crew

  • Shameik Moore as Blink
  • Demetrius Shipp Jr. as Miracle
  • Denzel Whitaker as Andre
  • Keean Johnson as Junior
  • Eiza González as Lucinda Valencia
  • Ethan Hawke as Jackson Symms
  • Wesley Snipes as Lawrence
  • Terrence Howard as The Saint
  • T.I. as Cousin Bass

Director
RZA

Other Movies Director is Known For

  • The Man with the Iron Fists (2012)
  • Love Beats Rhymes (2017)

Producer
Michael Mendelsohn
William Clevinger
Sean Lydiard

Writer
Paul Cuschieri

Budget
$8 million

Production Company
Patriot Pictures
XYZ Films
Rumble Riot Pictures

Running Time
123 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

  • Strong violence
  • Drug use
  • Language
  • Mature themes

Movie Story
“Cut Throat City” is an intense crime drama set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, focusing on the desperate circumstances of four childhood friends from New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. The film centers on Blink (Shameik Moore), a talented comic book artist who dreams of a better life but finds himself struggling to make ends meet in the wake of the storm’s devastation.

Faced with the harsh realities of poverty and a lack of opportunities, Blink and his three friends—Miracle (Demetrius Shipp Jr.), Andre (Denzel Whitaker), and Junior (Keean Johnson)—turn to crime as a means of survival. Lured by the promise of quick money, the group reluctantly agrees to pull off a daring heist orchestrated by a local gangster, Cousin Bass (T.I.).

However, the heist goes horribly wrong, and the friends find themselves on the run from both the law and the criminal underworld. As they navigate the treacherous streets of New Orleans, they must grapple with their own moral dilemmas and the crushing weight of their circumstances. The film weaves together themes of survival, loyalty, and the devastating impact of systemic neglect on marginalized communities.

Throughout their journey, the friends encounter a series of complex and morally ambiguous characters, including Jackson Symms (Ethan Hawke), a local politician with his own hidden agenda, and Lawrence (Wesley Snipes), Blink’s estranged father, who offers a grim perspective on life in the Lower Ninth Ward. As tensions rise and the stakes grow higher, Blink and his friends must make difficult choices that will determine their fate.

“Cut Throat City” is a gritty and unflinching look at the social and economic challenges faced by those living in post-Katrina New Orleans. The film’s narrative is driven by strong performances, particularly from Shameik Moore, who portrays Blink as a young man torn between his dreams and the harsh realities of his environment. Director RZA uses the backdrop of New Orleans to create a vivid and immersive world, capturing both the beauty and the brutality of the city.

Special Effects
The film employs practical effects and gritty cinematography to depict the raw and desperate atmosphere of post-Katrina New Orleans. The visual effects are used sparingly but effectively, enhancing the film’s action sequences and adding to the overall tension and drama.

Box Office Performance
“Cut Throat City” had a limited theatrical release and was primarily distributed through digital and on-demand platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its ambitious narrative, strong performances, and social commentary, though some noted its pacing issues and uneven execution.

Filming Locations

  • New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

  • “We’re not criminals. We’re survivors.” – Blink
  • “You either get rich or die trying in this city.” – Cousin Bass
  • “In this world, nobody’s gonna give you anything. You gotta take it.” – Jackson Symms

Behind-the-Scenes

  • RZA, a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan, brings his unique perspective and style to the film, combining elements of hip-hop culture with a deep exploration of the social issues affecting New Orleans.
  • The film’s cast features a mix of established actors and rising stars, contributing to the film’s dynamic and diverse portrayal of life in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Awards

  • None

Final Verdict
“Cut Throat City” is a powerful and thought-provoking crime drama that offers a stark portrayal of life in post-Katrina New Orleans. While the film’s pacing and structure may not be flawless, its strong performances and social commentary make it a compelling watch. The film stands out for its exploration of systemic issues and the impact of poverty on marginalized communities, making it both an entertaining and socially relevant piece of cinema.

IMDb Rating
4.9/10

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