Bruised (2021)

Bruised Poster

Jackie Justice is a mixed martial arts fighter who leaves the sport in disgrace. Down on her luck and simmering with rage and regret years after the fight, she's coaxed into a brutal underground fight by her manager and boyfriend Desi and grabs the attention of a fight league promoter who promises Jackie a life back in the Octagon. But the road to redemption becomes unexpectedly personal when Manny - the son she gave up as an infant - shows up at her doorstep. A triumphant story of a fighter who reclaims her power, in and out of the ring, when everyone has counted her out

Title: Bruised
Release Year: 2021
Director: Halle Berry
Cast: Halle Berry, Adan Canto, Sheila Atim, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Danny Boyd Jr., Valentina Shevchenko
Plot Summary
Bruised is a 2021 sports drama film directed by Halle Berry, in her directorial launching. The movie follows the story of Jackie "Justice" Quinones, a disgraced MMA fighter represented by Berry, who attempts to get the pieces of her individual and professional life and make her method back to the octagon.

Introduction and Set Up
As the movie begins, Jackie is struggling both mentally and financially after an extreme profession recession due to her lack of development in the MMA world. She works as a cleaner and barely makes ends fulfill. Jackie's life takes a dramatic turn when her estranged partner, Desi (Adan Canto), an effective MMA manager/promoter, reaches out to her after seeing among her street fights. Desi sees potential in Jackie and offers her a chance to complete in the underground MMA scene. Jackie, who is desperate for redemption, accepts battle again however deals with an almost impossible uphill struggle.

Main Conflict
The primary conflict in Bruised arises when Jackie's past comes back to haunt her in the form of her boy, Manny (Danny Boyd Jr.), who she deserted six years ago. Manny's unexpected arrival forces Jackie to challenge her previous errors, handle the obstacles of motherhood and recover her son's trust.

Furthermore, Jackie is battling her inner demons and coping with the distressing experiences of her childhood abuse by her father. This causes her to be self-destructive and struggle with anger concerns while training for her comeback.

Characters and Relationships
Jackie's relationship with her son Manny is tumultuous in the beginning as he feels betrayed by his mother's desertion. Over time, nevertheless, they discover to trust and count on each other, enhancing their bond as mother and kid.

Jackie also forms a connection with her no-nonsense, tough-loving trainer, Bobby "Buddhakan" Chacon (Shamier Anderson), who becomes an essential figure in her journey towards redemption. They both face their internal battles and become a strong support group for each other.

Moreover, Jackie's relationship with Desi is made complex by their shared past, as both of them attempt to navigate their individual and expert lives efficiently. Desi's faith in Jackie's capability to make a successful resurgence forms the structure of their partnership.

Finally, Jackie's connection with Lady Killer (Valentina Shevchenko), her fiercest challenger, plays a considerable function in her development as an MMA fighter. The intense rivalry pushes Jackie to surpass her limitations and reach her complete potential.

Resolution and Conclusion
Jackie eventually deals with Lady Killer in a ruthless and emotionally charged fight, where she displays her newly found sense of purpose, durability, and decision. She shows to herself and the world that she still has what it requires an excellent MMA fighter.

The film ends on a high note, as not just does Jackie win the climactic fight, but she also reconciles with her son and develops a strong bond with him. She faces and conquers her previous injuries, leading the way for a brighter future for her and her family.

Overall Impact
Bruised is an effective and inspiring tale of redemption, strength, and self-discovery that resonates with audiences. Halle Berry provides a strong performance as Jackie, showcasing her variety as both a starlet and now a director. The film captures the essence of human struggle and determination, reminding us that it's never ever far too late to confront our devils and recover from the injuries of our past, ultimately returning stronger and more empowered than before.

Top Cast

  • Halle Berry (small)
    Halle Berry
    Jackie Justice
  • Adan Canto (small)
    Adan Canto
    Desi
  • Sheila Atim (small)
    Sheila Atim
    Bobbi Buddhakan Berroa
  • Danny Boyd Jr. (small)
    Danny Boyd Jr.
    Manny Lyons Jr
  • Adriane Lenox (small)
    Adriane Lenox
    Angel McQueen
  • Shamier Anderson (small)
    Shamier Anderson
    Immaculate
  • Stephen McKinley Henderson (small)
    Stephen McKinley Henderson
    Pops
  • Valentina Shevchenko (small)
    Valentina Shevchenko
    Lady Killer
  • Lela Loren (small)
    Lela Loren
    Mrs. Bradshaw
  • Nikolai Nikolaeff (small)
    Nikolai Nikolaeff
    Igor
  • Denny Dillon (small)
    Denny Dillon
    Crazy Esther