UPPERCUT

A movie by director Torsten Ruether.

Interview by Emmanuel Itier

Put on your boxing glove and jump on the cinematographic ring of director Torsten Ruether new wonder film: ‘UPPERCUT’. And meet Luise Grossmann playing a young bad ass female boxing player, ‘Tonit’ who will end up being coached by the legendary Ving Rhames aka ‘Elliott’. This the journey of a young woman redefining herself and what it means to be a female today, in a sport, boxing, that is still so male dominated. Maverick director Ruether found an exceptional cast and knows perfectly where to set up his camera to film the many boxing scenes gracing this intense and inspiring movie. Before it U.S launch we were lucky enough to catch up with Torsten and share his thoughts about this “must see” movie.

Q: How did this film come together?

Torsten: There was actually an original German movie called “Leaver Punch”. There was a German actor who wanted me to write something. I wrote something about a delusional boxing coach and with a female protégé. It was only one-and-a-half-page story line. Everyone got excited and so I got to write the whole script. Orignally it was to be a German movie, but some American company approached me to turn it into an American movie. Once we got Vng Rhames to come on board it was the chance of a lifetime, and it all came together.

Q: tell me about the many challenges you faced making this film?

Torsten: First challenge was for me to get a visa to come to the U.S and be able to work. So, to come from Germany that is your first challenge. But at the end it all worked out. Also, we were in the middle of an actor and a writer’ strike which made it even more difficult. We also dealt with SAG and its weaver process.

Q: What is the movie truly talking about?

Torsten: In these edgy political times it is really a movie about curiosity. It’s about people who would normally not meet and for sure not talk to each other.  The relationship between ‘Tony’ and ‘Elliott’ is so interesting. They have to build a trust to each other. It’s important to learn from each other and to go beyond clichés. And not to stick to the very first impression you have.  You have to look behind the curtain and I found out people love to discuss about the movie and what it is talking about.

Q: What conversation should we have about it?

Torsten:  it’s about communication and asking about each other. How can we collaborate better with each other.  Let’s not stick to clichés and the first impression we  have on each other.