330. Bruised; movie review

 

BRUISED

Cert 15

131 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language, violence, domestic abuse, sex, child sex abuse references

"How old do you think Halle Berry is?", I asked Mrs W as we watched her throw herself around a mixed martial arts cage in Bruised.

"About 40," was her response.

Both of us were incredulous to discover that she is 55.

It is testament to her incredible fitness that she could carry off a role as physically demanding as Jackie 'Pretty Bull' Justice.

Especially as she broke two ribs on her first day of filming.

So, a big thumbs up for the energy which Berry threw into her lead role as well as her directing debut. 

However, I cannot give unreserved approval for Bruised despite its keen action and noble intentions.

I'm afraid this is Rocky without the charm. Jackie Justice is short-tempered, unhappy and a friendless sole who has nothing interesting to say.

She acts as if the world is against her and, consequently, it is.

The first she butts into is Desi (Adan Canto), her boyfriend and manager who is desperate for her to emerge from retirement.

He gives her the encouragement by taking her to an unlicensed fight where she is provoked into some bloody action.

Her need for employment and a return to the cage is further heightened by the arrival of her young estranged son (Danny Boyd Jr ) after his father dies.

So, she goes to the best trainer in town, the uncompromising Buddhakan (Sheila Atim).

The film follows a far too similar pattern to other fight movies - just like Rocky, Justice finds herself with a world title bout out of nowhere.

Then, despite not having a home, proper management or training regime, she is able to go toe to toe with the planet's best.

Don't get me on the ridiculous relationships with her trainer, her mother and her son.

It is true that Berry gives absolutely everything to this role but she knows better than anyone the storyline cannot just be forsaken for action.

It feels as if she has done that during Bruised.

Reasons to watch: Compelling performance by Halle Berry

Reasons to avoid: Relentlessly downbeat

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 5.5/10

Did you know? Among the cast of Bruised are one of the most dominant fighters in the history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA); Valentina "Bullet" Shevchenko - Current reigning champion in the UFC woman's flyweight division.

The final word. Halle Berry: "I love these movies where the underdog has to fight their way back. People are searching for redemption. That’s very relatable. I can always find a way to see myself reflected. As an actor, I just love playing dark, deep, complicated characters that are full of layers and flaws.” Gold Derby

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