Bruised Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A down-on-her-luck MMA fighter gets back in the ring to work out some mommy issues and punch somebody for a living.

🍿 Bruised: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Disgraced Fighter’s Downward Spiral

Jackie ‘Pretty Bull’ Justice, once a promising UFC fighter, now leads a life far from the glory of the octagon. Four years after a humiliating defeat where she forfeited a major fight, Jackie lives a mundane existence, cleaning houses and battling alcoholism. Her boyfriend and manager, Desi, constantly pushes her to return to fighting, but Jackie is haunted by her past failures and internal demons.

A Chance at Redemption and a Son’s Unexpected Arrival

An opportunity arises when Desi takes Jackie to an illegal underground fight, where she inadvertently showcases her skills and catches the eye of Immaculate, a promoter for Invicta Fighting Championships. Simultaneously, Jackie’s estranged mother, Angel, reappears with Manny, Jackie’s son whom she gave up as an infant. Manny, traumatized by his father’s death, has become mute.

Training, Motherhood, and Personal Turmoil

Jackie grapples with motherhood while undergoing rigorous training with Buddhakan and Pops, preparing for a championship fight. Her relationships are strained: Desi becomes abusive, leading to their separation, and Jackie struggles to connect with Manny. Buddhakan, her trainer, provides support and a potential romantic connection, but Jackie’s internal conflicts hinder her ability to fully commit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jackie Justice (Halle Berry): A disgraced MMA fighter seeking redemption both in the ring and as a mother to the son she abandoned.
• Manny Lyons Jr. (Danny Boyd Jr.): Jackie’s young son, rendered mute by trauma, who unexpectedly re-enters her life, forcing her to confront her past.
• Desi (Adan Canto): Jackie’s abusive boyfriend and manager, who tries to control her career and life.
• Buddhakan (Sheila Atim): Jackie’s insightful and supportive trainer who helps her confront her inner demons and rediscover her strength.
• Angel McQueen (Adriane Lenox): Jackie’s estranged and critical mother, with whom she has a volatile and painful relationship.
• Immaculate (Shamier Anderson): A fight league promoter who sees Jackie’s potential and offers her a chance to return to the Octagon, but with ulterior motives.
• Lucia ‘Lady Killer’ Chavez (Jennifer Dugwen Chieng): The Invicta FC flyweight champion, who is Jackie’s formidable opponent in the climactic title fight.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Angel McQueen: “Look, this ain’t my mess. This is your mess. For once in your life, girl, handle your business.” – Angel says this to Jackie, highlighting Jackie’s pattern of avoiding responsibility.
• Buddhakan: “Pain is a reminder you’re still alive.” – Buddhakan shares this with Jackie, encapsulating the film’s theme of perseverance and resilience through hardship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Bruised Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Bruised’! Halle Berry completely transformed herself for this role, and you can feel the pain and determination in every punch. The scenes with her son, Manny, were so touching, especially when he finally speaks at the end. It’s a feel-good sports movie, even if it’s a little rough around the edges. I was cheering for Jackie the whole time.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Halle Berry”
  • “Viewers interested in underdog stories”
  • “Those who enjoy sports dramas, especially MMA”
  • “People who appreciate stories about overcoming adversity and finding redemption”
  • “Audiences interested in female-led narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence and fight scenes”
  • “Substance abuse”
  • “Domestic abuse”
  • “Sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Berry delivers a powerful performance, showcasing both her physical prowess and emotional depth. The film, while predictable, offers a compelling look into the struggles of a woman fighting for redemption.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the plot is familiar, Berry’s direction and performance elevate the material. The fight sequences are raw and intense, and the supporting cast adds depth to this story of resilience.

Audience Reactions

Halle Berry’s performance and dedication to the role were widely praised.: Viewers were moved by the emotional depth and the fight choreography.

Overall Consensus: Halle Berry shines in ‘Bruised,’ delivering a powerful performance in a familiar but inspiring redemption story. It is not a great movie, but definitely worth a watch for her superb acting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Halle Berry’s directorial debut, marking a significant step in her career behind the camera.”
• “Originally, Nick Cassavetes was slated to direct with Blake Lively starring, but Berry took over both roles, demonstrating her commitment to the project.”
• “Halle Berry trained extensively in MMA to convincingly portray a fighter, showcasing her dedication to authentic performance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bruised?

Bruised is available for streaming on Netflix. As a Netflix original movie, it is exclusively available on this platform for subscribers. There are currently no options for rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bruised, you might like these similar films:

• Million Dollar Baby (2004): Shares the theme of a female boxer overcoming personal demons with the help of a dedicated trainer.
• Warrior (2011): Features MMA fighting and family drama, portraying characters seeking redemption through the sport.
• The Fighter (2010): Focuses on a struggling boxer’s comeback and familial struggles, similar to the redemption arc in Bruised.

🛒 Bruised Related Products

• Official ‘Bruised’ Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring Halle Berry as Jackie Justice. Perfect for fans of the film and MMA enthusiasts.
• Everlast Pro Style Training Gloves: Premium training gloves for boxing and MMA, essential for anyone inspired by the fighting spirit of ‘Bruised’.
• UFC Official Fight Night Gloves: High-quality print featuring Halle Berry as Jackie Justice. Perfect for fans of the film and MMA enthusiasts.
• Hardy Boyz: Exist to Inspire: Follow one of professional wrestling’s most innovative and controversial tag teams. Filled with never-before-told stories and photos.

🎧 Soundtrack

Bruised features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Attitude” – performed by Saweetie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Paige: “I’ve Had A Bruised Boob Or Two” | CONAN on TBS

Ever wonder about the real toll fighting takes? Paige shares a hilarious anecdote about the more *ahem* delicate injuries she’s sustained. I found it amusing and pretty relatable to the physical demands shown in Bruised!

✨ Rate