Crude but utterly unbelievable, Halle Berry’s directorial debut “Bruised” is an emancipation tale for a character who feels most comfortable in the cage. Jackie Justice was an MMA fighter with a promising career, but now he is devastated and in a toxic relationship.
When her six-year-old son, whom she doesn’t want to adopt as a baby:
Which lands on her doorstep without warning, Jackie is forced to face the chaos in her life and try to get her back on track. Since “Blue” is a sports film, any experienced viewer can make an educated guess of how it will end. As always, the challenge is to make Jackie’s journey enjoyable.
But sadly for all of us, Berry has been saddled with a scenario that refuses to take risks. No kidding, but his most challenging step against stereotypes is the scene where Jackie makes a living. Can place the stage almost anywhere, but the option of placing it on the toilet is exciting. Just because, as we all know, the character is not number two in the film.
You may also read ‘Yara’ Review: A cold Italian crime drama based on a true story
You’re also no longer harassing people who leave home upset about certain things; they always stood at the door and called out to them as if an invisible force field blocked them. Jackie goes this route to see Bruised twice, but neither his estranged mother nor his abusive girlfriend (both contribute equally to his mind breakdown) can’t break this stereotype.
Bruised aren’t even the best MMA movie;
The honour must go to Gavin O’Connor’s Warrior alongside Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy. But even if it thrives in a world that Hollywood doesn’t understand. They make ten boxing movies a year, but not the UFC – Bruised is entirely different. Jackie might be a chess player like Beth Harmon or a player like William Tell from The Card Counter.
Part of the reason was that Berry was confused about what kind of film to make. Darren Aronofsky’s personal-professional balance so well in The Wrestler is largely lost here. In contrast, Michelle Rosenfarb’s script shortened both aspects of Jackie’s story. Her relationship with her son develops gently. But she relies too much on shocking storylines and sudden revelations to feel authentic.
On the other hand, the final opposition, which is, of course, a struggle for long-term safety and respect. Which do not get the necessary accumulation. Questions also arise about some essential plot doors that Berry opened. And completely forgot to close behind him as he plunged into the third act battle.
It has to be said – and this should come as no surprise.
That Berry qualifies as an actor rather than a director. Jackie is an indispensable but passionate character that the Oscar-winning actress plays so well. However, a few glances suggest that he might do better as a director with a different script. And not have to play a demanding role without added pressure.
You may also read “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain” Review: Biopic Cumberbatch Benedict, which is loose and agile, heavy on imagination
“Bruised” is a solid start in the perspective of new director Halle Berry. As a traditional “good” film full of standard (albeit a little bit of a surprise) dramatic battle. Berry and co-star Sheila Atim were great, as was Danny Boyd Jr. young – although his character’s inability to speak feels like a crime. Or at least it’s a necessary shortcut to conflict. The film sometimes slips into a falling needle. And the sparring montage is all too easy to tell the story, but Berry is a sensation when it comes to his fury.