The Wrestler
The Wrestler
R | 12 October 2008 (USA)
The Wrestler Trailers

Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson is long past his prime but still ready and rarin' to go on the pro-wrestling circuit. After a particularly brutal beating, however, Randy hangs up his tights, pursues a serious relationship with a long-in-the-tooth stripper, and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter. But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.

Reviews
Diagonaldi Very well executed
Flyerplesys Perfectly adorable
Catherina If you're interested in the topic at hand, you should just watch it and judge yourself because the reviews have gone very biased by people that didn't even watch it and just hate (or love) the creator. I liked it, it was well written, narrated, and directed and it was about a topic that interests me.
Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
juanmuscle What is so wonderful about the Wrestler is it works well with the material , the material itself is food for the machine that keeps on feeding and growing in and of itself - and also the editing, its very psychological yes, there is no one forcing him here or there, no, what compels the spirit is free, so he is trying, but it is in the editing that leads us to the triumphal ephemeral climax; the preceding scenes blend really well together in a contiguous manner leading to our final psychological decision, Mickey Rourke's character is at that fork in the road, here is an angel tugging at his heartstrings for a lasting climax ending or elsewhere is the erstwhile past, what he knows, what he loves, that fake love from his fans who only see him as the wrestler; So, it is too late for there is nothing to think about, everyone has told him he is a F up, he believes it, why mess up this angels life, it inevitable right? When the brain asks the heart what to do, for the angelic force inducing one to move away from peril and into sacrosanct ground , refuge or as Quasimodo would say, 'Sanctuary!!!;' it is too late for here the mangled Wrestler has no heart, at length everyone has taken their piece for the pieces lie strewn lost forever in all the towns he has ever competed.
Dominic LeRose Mickey Rourke's performance in "The Wrestler" is truly mesmerizing. Rarely do we see actors so immersed in their character and rarely do we feel as badly as we do for his character. He plays Randy "The Ram," a washed-up and lonely pro wrestler whose life has fully collapsed. His strained relationship with his daughter haunts him as he seeks for connection with the people around him. "The Wrestler" is a powerful character study about acceptance and obsession, what we'll do to find meaning in the world and how much it takes before we have to let go. Darren Aronofsky doesn't do anything special as a director here. The film is completely guided by Rourke's amazing performance. He and co-star Marisa Tomei are phenomenal and leave you with heavy hearts long after the credits role.
gwnightscream Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood star in this 2008 drama. This takes place in New Jersey where we meet veteran wrestler, Randy aka "The Ram" who has been in the business for over 20 years. He decides to retire from the ring to take care of his body. In the process, he tries working at a grocery store and reconnecting with his estranged daughter, Stephanie (Wood) whom he abandoned years prior. Tomei (My Cousin Vinny) plays Cassidy, a stripper who Randy gets close with. This is a good drama with some heartfelt moments and a bit of humor. Rourke gives a terrific performance and should've received an Oscar. I recommend this.
Bangkit Mandela If I know Rourke thanks to Iron man 2, and I've seen his well played act on Sin City. But when i saw this movie its beyond Rourke i know. One of great actor'skill is when he can handle multiple layer of character naturally, at the same time. First, Rourke a wrestler(1), not a fighter, which is already need to perform as entertainer(2). Also, he's a washed up wrestler(3), which added more acting burden to struggle like well being wrestler. All those energy, pain, doubt, brought up nicely. Great realism. This way, at first minutes he's done great job to made us believe that he's a genuine wrestler. At least experienced one.Then, common belief of good wrestler is being nice guys in real life. We were relieved as he played with kids and gives signature to some folks. Another realism, we know this guy. Until the moment of drama comes, something we rarely paid attention before from fun- friendly-macho guys; his struggle in real life with job, her daughter, and love life. All those images that have built up melting into loving father figure and lonely guy. We fall for him, befriend with him, and weep with him. Rourke's first tears becomes priceless altogether. It is probably due the nature of his character, but i can't see it being done by some mere buffed up actor. Its a wonder, really, why Rouke didn't received Oscar at the time.