In the recently released Netflix film “Bruised,” Berry embodies the character of Jackie Justice, a former UFC fighter striving for a triumphant return.
The movie quickly soared to the top spot on Netflix within its debut week.
At 55 years old, Berry, a trailblazing Oscar winner, fully immersed herself in the role.
Not only did she undertake rigorous physical training, but she also took on the challenge of directing for the first time.
To elevate the authenticity of the film, Berry enlisted the expertise of UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko to portray her rival in the pivotal fight scene.
Berry emphasized that Shevchenko’s involvement elevated the realism of the movie to new heights.
Reflecting on her decision, Berry shared, “I realized that my ground game was much stronger than my standup game during training.
Valentina is renowned as one of the best strikers in the sport, pound-for-pound.
I believed that by combining my grappling skills with her striking prowess, we could create a truly dynamic fight scene.”
Having Shevchenko on board not only added credibility but also provided invaluable guidance throughout the filming process.
Berry expressed her gratitude for Shevchenko’s insights, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in portraying the fight accurately.
Shevchenko, boasting an impressive record of eight consecutive wins, attested to Berry’s genuine fighting abilities.
She commended Berry’s dedication and aptitude, suggesting that Berry could excel in the octagon if she chose to pursue a fighting career.
Acknowledging Berry’s commitment, Shevchenko revealed, “Halle’s grasp of grappling and striking was exceptional due to her prior training.
This made choreographing the fight sequences a seamless process, as she grasped the techniques effortlessly.
Our collaborative efforts aimed to capture the raw energy of a real fight, transcending mere staged combat.”
During a particularly intense sequence, Shevchenko inadvertently broke Berry’s ribs with a powerful kick.
Despite the injury, Berry persevered, opting to continue filming rather than disrupting the production.
Berry humorously remarked, “Experiencing a kick from Valentina Shevchenko is a rite of passage.
Those bruises were all too real.” The incident underscored the physical demands and authentic approach embraced by Berry in her portrayal of Jackie Justice.
