Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Bruised (2020)

What is it about? 

A former mix-martial artist finds redemption and the courage to overcome her own demons when her son unexpectedly is placed in her life. 

Who is in it?

Halle Berry - Jackie Justice 

Adam Canto - Desi 

Sheila Atim - Buddhakan

Danny Boyd Jr. - Manny Lyons Jr.

Favorite Scene:

[spoiler alert]

After going to an underground fight, Jackie is lored into an impromptu brawl with one of the larger fighters that shows local promoters that she still has something left to offer. 

Favorite Quote:

"Look, this ain't my mess. This is your mess. For once in your life, girl, handle your business."

Review:

It's hard to do combat movies. Let's just say the obvious out loud, Rocky ruined the code, the genre, and the plot for everyone going forward. However, if there was a form that was updated for the times, from the perspective of a woman, and introduced some newer social topics to the fighting space, Bruised definitely earns some points. 

The film is great. The story is a great underdog story that leaves the viewer pulling for Jackie and her boy. Bruised could also utilize a sequel if it wants to. However, what really carries the film is the obvious - Halle Berry. She's still got it. Not once do you enter disbelief that she's not a former hardened mixed martial fighter fighting her own demons - and is one tough individual. 

Berry's performance alone is worth the watch. 

Grade: 3/5

Labels:

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?
Read more

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...
Read more

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...
Read more