Netflix has released the first trailer for Bruised, starring Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry in her directorial debut. The film made its world premiere last year at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival and is set to debut on Netflix next month.
The Bruised trailer features Berry as a disgraced former UFC fighter named Jackie Justice, who now works as a cleaning lady when she's not being recognized by strangers on the street. We're not told why she left the world of MMA fighting, but she doesn't seem to be in any rush to get back, that is until her estranged son shows up on her doorstep. Encouraged by her boyfriend (Adan Canto) Jackie starts fighting again, albeit in very illegal unsanctioned underground fights. However, these fights are enough for her to gain the attention of an influential MMA League owner (Shamier Anderson) who offers her a second chance. The rest of the trailer from Netflix features Berry training for what looks like the fight of her life as she prepares to take on a new MMA champion in the ring.
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Bruise is the latest in Berry's decades-long acting career, in which she's racked up countless awards and nominations. In 2002 Berry become the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Monster's Ball. She remains the only African American woman to have won the award. At the age of 55, Berry shows no signs of slowing down. She recently starred alongside Keanu Reeves in the action-packed John Wick 3: Parabellum, where she played an ex-assassin who uses some canine companions to deadly effect. Even though she has been featured in many dramatic roles, Berry is perhaps best known for her work in action movies such as the Pierce Brosnan James Bond film Die Another Day and as the mutant superhero Storm in the X-Men movies.
Given her long career and experience with fight scenes, Berry seems like a perfect candidate to star as a washed-up MMA fighter. While she has proven herself to be a very talented actress, the new movie will be Berry's first time behind the camera directing the action. Berry is not the first Hollywood actor to make the leap from performing to directing. Big-name actors such as George Clooney and Justice League star Ben Affleck have also directed several feature films.
The new film joins the roaster of sports drama's focused on fighters. These films often feature a protagonist seeking some kind of redemption and taking on an opponent who outmatches them. From the many, many Rocky films to the more recent Creed films starring Michael B Jordan, movies about underdog fighters seem to resonate with audiences in a very special way. Hopefully, Berry's latest film will join the ranks of these classic American films.
Bruised is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix on November 24th, 2021.
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Source: Netflix | YouTube