Marking the super-talented Halle Berry's directorial debut, "Bruised" on Netflix landed all the right punches. You can't quite come up with an 'original boxer story' these days, so I went in with an open mind and found an entertained exit.
Michelle Rosenfarb's screenplay was practical and neat, with no fuss or fluff. ASKA provided the musical score, which was culturally powerful. Frank G. DeMarco's cinematography was the real winner, owing to how much he had to capture and yet how less, so the viewer wouldn't be bewildered.
Noteworthy costume design by Mirren Gordon-Crozier complemented wonderful work by Kait Murphy on set decoration, Tommy Love on art direction, and Elizabeth J. Jones on production design. The crews who worked on stunts and VFX, as well as special effects, all made "Bruised" feel authentic. Editing teams did splendid work as well.
All in all, Halle Berry stole the show as both director and artist. Her role as former boxing superstar Jackie Justice was profound and contained several humane layers.
Valentina Shevchenko, as the "Ladykiller", was good. Jackie's boyfriend Desi, played by Adan Canto, did good work. Jackie's mother Angel McQueen, played by Adriane Lenox, was noteworthy. Jackie's little son Manny Lyons Jr., played by Danny Boyd Jr., gave a nice innocent performance.
Fight trainer "Buddhakan" Bobby, played by Sheila Atim, was great. Immaculate, played by Shamier Anderson, gave a suave and cunning performance. Pops, played by Stephen McKinley Henderson, brought some great support.
Netflix's "Bruised" contained thrills and 'human' storytelling value. It was both heart-racing and heart-breaking to watch. A single mother, washed-up boxer with dreams of a comeback, and human being trying to find her way in the world... This movie was worth watching just for Halle Berry's enthralling performance.
Michelle Rosenfarb's screenplay was practical and neat, with no fuss or fluff. ASKA provided the musical score, which was culturally powerful. Frank G. DeMarco's cinematography was the real winner, owing to how much he had to capture and yet how less, so the viewer wouldn't be bewildered.
Noteworthy costume design by Mirren Gordon-Crozier complemented wonderful work by Kait Murphy on set decoration, Tommy Love on art direction, and Elizabeth J. Jones on production design. The crews who worked on stunts and VFX, as well as special effects, all made "Bruised" feel authentic. Editing teams did splendid work as well.
All in all, Halle Berry stole the show as both director and artist. Her role as former boxing superstar Jackie Justice was profound and contained several humane layers.
Valentina Shevchenko, as the "Ladykiller", was good. Jackie's boyfriend Desi, played by Adan Canto, did good work. Jackie's mother Angel McQueen, played by Adriane Lenox, was noteworthy. Jackie's little son Manny Lyons Jr., played by Danny Boyd Jr., gave a nice innocent performance.
Fight trainer "Buddhakan" Bobby, played by Sheila Atim, was great. Immaculate, played by Shamier Anderson, gave a suave and cunning performance. Pops, played by Stephen McKinley Henderson, brought some great support.
Netflix's "Bruised" contained thrills and 'human' storytelling value. It was both heart-racing and heart-breaking to watch. A single mother, washed-up boxer with dreams of a comeback, and human being trying to find her way in the world... This movie was worth watching just for Halle Berry's enthralling performance.