Cuts, like music, provide emotional relief to the viewer. If a particularly powerful thing happens on screen, whether it be in the form of dialogue or action, minimal (if any) music should be used, and few (if any) cuts be made. I also think as a culture we have gotten so used to the close-up that it too provides relief more than enhancement of the emotion; after decades of overusing the close-up in TV and film, the full shot may ultimately end up being more powerful.
As with anything, this is not universally true, but I think it's a good guideline for the most part.
