Berry's performance will win over fans of the genre where the down on your luck fighter picks themselves off the mat, they will give Bruised's script a pass. However, the film is too insincere in its intimate moments and far too predictable.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 4, 2023

Halle Berry brings her all to Bruised, but the film is too familiar thematically to earn the explosive emotional impact it desires.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Sep 1, 2022

The only thing that works here is the [fight] sequences in which you intuitively cover your eyes to avoid suffering so many blows. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Jun 22, 2022

But despite its best intentions, the movie ends up a recycled and regurgitated version of many other movies in the same genre, only without the same impact.

Full Review | Jan 13, 2022

A script that loses in a unanimous decision to all the cliches and a heavy-handed story it dishes out.

Full Review | Original Score: C+ | Jan 3, 2022

Halle Berry shows real filmmaking talent, but there's too much going on throughout the movie, when the story demands a more consistently minimalist treatment.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Dec 31, 2021

Pacing and some character development keep BRUISED from being a knockout, but it has such strong performances that it's never down for the count.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 31, 2021

When it comes to sports dramas, they can sometimes be quite predictable and, unfortunately, become cliché. Bruised tends to fall within said trope. However, watch it for the performances.

Full Review | Dec 27, 2021

Halle Berry directed and stars in this brutal film that also features an outstanding performance by young Danny Boyd, Jr.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 22, 2021

Halle Berry K.O's in her directorial debut as an emotionally, physically abused UFC fighter desperately trying to win back her career and respect from the only person who loved her unconditionally - her son.

Full Review | Dec 22, 2021

The weak link is the script, by rookie screenwriter Michelle Rosenfarb, which recycles every boxing and child cliche this side of Wallace Beery in "The Champ" (1931.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Dec 21, 2021

Bruised is a technically impressive start to Halle Berry's directing career-muddy look aside-but she can't overcome the script's weaknesses.

Full Review | Dec 19, 2021

Halle Berry transforms into a role that obviously required a lot of bodilyy preparation. A pity that it's not a knock out. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 17, 2021

While Bruised gets a gold star for lesbian representation, other stereotypes prove to be its weakest elements.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Dec 12, 2021

Berry displays heart, both on the acting and directing sides, but at times, 'Bruised' feels like a Frankenstein of fight movies before it.

Full Review | Dec 10, 2021

A fairly standard but effective piece of work.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Dec 9, 2021

There are stretches where you'll find it worthwhile to put up a fight, but in the end, you're probably going want to tap out.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 8, 2021

Berry films with an assured hand. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 6, 2021

Kick butt, break rules, and direct your first feature after 50? Maybe Berry could be the next Bond.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 4, 2021

The end is fairly predictable. The way it gets there is decidedly not.

Full Review | Dec 4, 2021