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Bruised is a 2020 feature film directed by Halle Berry and written by Michelle Rosenfarb. The movie marks Halle Berry's directorial debut, and she also stars as the protagonist, a disgraced MMA fighter who is attempting a comeback while trying to regain custody of her son. The story of Bruised is centered around Jackie Justice (Halle Berry), a former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who has fallen from grace due to substance abuse issues. After losing custody of her son Manny (Danny Boyd Jr.), who she abandoned years ago, Jackie decides to make a comeback in MMA to prove to her son and herself that she can be a loving and responsible mother.

As Jackie starts training for her comeback, she runs into a former rival, Immaculate (Sheila Atim), who is now the new face of MMA. Immaculate has everything Jackie has lost, including a successful career, a loving partner, and a secure future. But Jackie isn't willing to give up just yet, and she soon finds herself back in the MMA circuit, fighting some of the toughest opponents of her life.

Alongside Berry, the movie also features Adan Canto as Desi, Jackie's trainer and love interest. Desi is a former MMA fighter who knows firsthand the challenges of the sport and the personal stakes that come with it. Desi is both a mentor and a motivator for Jackie and helps her navigate the high stakes and the intense emotional journey of a fighter trying to make a comeback.

Through the story of Jackie's redemption, Bruised touches on themes of perseverance, second chances, and the importance of family. The film is emotional, raw, and gritty, depicting the harsh realities of the MMA circuit and the sacrifices fighters make to realize their dreams.

Halle Berry is impressive in both her roles as the director and protagonist of the film. She delivers a standout performance as Jackie, providing depth and nuance to her character, making her understandable and relatable, despite her flaws and mistakes.

Atim also gives an impressive performance as Jackie's rival and MMA superstar, Immaculate. Immaculate is a formidable opponent, both on and off the ring, and Atim brings a magnetic energy to the role.

Visually, the movie is stunning, with intense fight scenes that are as brutal as they are artful. The film uses tight close-ups and detailed camerawork to give a sense of intimacy and urgency to the fight scenes, making the audience feel every punch, every kick, and every fall.

In conclusion, Bruised is a captivating and emotionally resonant film that showcases Halle Berry's talent as a director and actress. The movie is a powerful and visceral portrayal of the world of MMA fighting, and the sacrifices fighters make in pursuit of their dreams. With strong performances, intense fight scenes, and a powerful story, Bruised is a must-see for fans of action movies and character-driven dramas.

Bruised is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 52.