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Poster for Cutter's Way

Cutter's Way

Seen it?

1981 | 109 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Chinatown or Klute, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 49 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: expect violence.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Alex Cutter is a boozy, belligerent and deeply cynical Vietnam veteran whose encounter with a landmine during the war has left him minus an eye, a leg and an arm. When his drifter playboy friend Richard Bone is falsely accused of murder, Cutter sets out for revenge in his own inimitable style.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    92% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.5 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 63K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ivan Passer

  • Jeff BridgesRichard Bone
  • John HeardAlex Cutter
  • Lisa EichhornMaureen Cutter, 'Mo'
  • Stephen ElliottJ. J. Cord
  • Arthur RosenbergGeorge Swanson
  • Nina van PallandtWoman in the Hotel
  • Ann DusenberryValerie Duran
  • Patricia DonahueMrs. Cord
  • Geraldine BaronSusie Swanson
  • Katherine PassToyota Woman