‘Bruised’ is a 2021 sports drama film directed by Halle Berry, who also stars in the lead role. The movie is Berry’s directorial debut, and it follows the story of Jackie Justice, a former mixed martial arts (MMA) champion who has fallen from grace and is struggling to make ends meet.
The movie can best be described as an emotional journey that explores themes of redemption, motherhood, and perseverance. This gripping drama is also loved for its intense fight scenes that are well choreographed and the overall performance strongly portrayed by Halle Berry, who gives a powerful rendition of the role of a woman fighting to reclaim her life.
Is Jackie Justice’s Story Real?
The 2021 film, Bruised, directed by Halle Berry, is a work of fiction and has no connection to anybody, whether dead or alive. However, the fact that the story in ‘Bruised’ did not reflect a real-life event does not distort the message of hope, determination, and triumph in the film. The storyline centers around a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter named Jackie Justice (played by Halle Berry), who is struggling with personal demons and attempting a comeback.
The strong Jackie Justice had been outmatched in the ring, and fear lurks in every breath she took. Six years later, she was anywhere but close to the fighting ring as she took on a job as a nanny and resides with her blowhard boyfriend and manager, Desi. She is also faced with alcohol addiction and doesn’t have the desire to fight again. However, she recovers her fighting spirit when Manny (played by Danny Boyd Jr.), the six-year-old boy she gave up for adoption, reappeared after the tragic death of his father.
The climax of the film is Jackie’s comeback fight against a tough opponent named Olivia. Despite being the underdog, Jackie fights with all her heart and manages to win the match. In the end, Jackie is reunited with Manny and finally finds the strength and courage to face her demons and start a new chapter in her life.
According to Halle Berry, she was inspired to take on the lead role in the movie because of the struggles that female fighters face in male-dominated sports. The screenplay of the movie was written by Michelle Rosenfarb, while the original story was put together by a team of writers that included Doug Simon and the ‘John Wick writer Shay Hatten.
Who Is The Real Jackie Justice MMA Fighter?
Jackie Justice is a fictional character created by author and screenwriter Karateka, known for the Netflix series “GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.” While the character and her story may draw inspiration from the real-life experiences of female MMA fighters, the specific events and plotlines depicted in the show are not based on any real person or events.
In ”Bruised”, the Jackie Justice character also depicted traits similar to its original version in the Netflix series. Berry undertook an intense eight-month martial arts training regimen, practicing boxing, judo, and jujitsu as part of her preparation for the part. With such intense drills, she could relate to MMA female fighters’ lives, including the rage, hatred, anxiety, and frustration they must have faced in their personal experiences, which she showcased in the movie.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 12, 2020. Following its premiere, “Bruised” was acquired by Netflix for distribution. The film was released on November 24, 2021, exclusively on Netflix. The movie was also shown on November 14, 2021, at AFI Festival. Prior to its November 24 release on Netflix, it had a November 17, 2021, limited theater run.
However, it’s worth noting that the release dates may vary depending on the region and country. Some territories might have a different release date than others. Therefore, it’s always advisable to check the availability of the movie on Netflix in your specific location to confirm the release date.
