Cast
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Halle Berry
as Jackie Justice
Adan Canto
as Desi
Sheila Atim
as Bobbi Buddhakan Berroa
Danny Boyd Jr.
as Manny Lyons Jr
Adriane Lenox
as Angel McQueen
Shamier Anderson
as Immaculate
Stephen McKinley Henderson
as Pops
Valentina Shevchenko
as Lady Killer
Lela Loren
as Mrs. Bradshaw
Nikolai Nikolaeff
as Igor
Denny Dillon
as Crazy Esther
Jacob Crespo
as Nathan Bradshaw
Jennifer Dugwen Chieng
as Karima
Shawna Hamic
as Secretary
Mark Cayne
as Teen #1
Crew
Director
- Halle Berry
Producer
- Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis
- Linda Gottlieb
- Gillian Hormel
- Terry Dougas
- Brad Feinstein
- Erica Lee
- Guymon Casady
- Basil Iwanyk
- Halle Berry
Reviews
redlionking
A Journey of Redemption and Resilience
In Bruised, Halle Berry steps into the ring not only as the film’s star but also as its director, delivering a raw, unflinching portrayal of a fighter’s journey to reclaim her life. This film is not just about physical combat; it’s about the inner battle we all face when life knocks us down and the courage it takes to rise again.
Berry plays Jackie Justice, a former MMA fighter who’s been beaten by life in more ways than one. As she struggles to escape the ghosts of her past, she is suddenly faced with an unexpected challenge: the return of her young son. This moment forces Jackie to confront her failures and to fight for something far greater than her own redemption—her son’s future.
What sets Bruised apart is its unapologetic grit. Berry doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of life at rock bottom. But more than the blows in the ring, it’s the emotional punches that land hardest. Through every setback, every moment of self-doubt, Bruised reminds us that true strength is born not from the absence of fear, but from facing it head-on.
The law of abundance and the law of assumption are woven into Jackie’s journey. She begins the film believing in her limitations, defined by past mistakes and pain. But as she steps into the octagon one more time, we witness a profound shift. Jackie embraces her worth, not through external validation but by assuming the mantle of victory in her heart long before the bell rings. This is where her real transformation occurs—by envisioning her success, she taps into the abundance of strength and resilience that’s been within her all along.
Halle Berry’s directorial debut is a testament to perseverance and self-belief. Through its relentless portrayal of struggle and survival, Bruised reminds us that no matter how many times life throws us to the mat, we always have the power to rise again.
For anyone looking for a film that celebrates the fight within, Bruised is a knockout.
Oct 22, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Bruised examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Halle Berry brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Bruised took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $11.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 129 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 186 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 36 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 2001 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Bruised shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rape, which focuses more on action than character development, Bruised offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Godsend and A Very Unsettled Summer explore similar territory, Bruised stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 12, 2020
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Budget: $11,000,000
Where to Watch
