Wrestler, The

USA 2008, 111 minutes
Dir. Darren Aronofsky
Genres: Drama

Topics: Sport.

Feat. Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis

Aroview: Sensational, credible comeback picture for beleaguered 80's heartthrob Mickey Rourke, who portrays a mirror-image of himself as a has-been wrestling star trying to make a personal and professional comeback.

Recommended for more than fans of wrestling or gung-ho entertainments, this is sensitive to the human drama behind the bravado and showmanship, though one pulverizing bout of rough 'n' tumble ain't for the squeamish. Rourke is dedicated and sympathetic in the role, and Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood are both as compulsively watchable as his lapdancing love-interest and estranged daughter respectively. Also something of a comeback for wunderkind director Aronofsky after his widely-panned THE FOUNTAIN, this is a typically intense fable that is served well by a lean, straight-shooting script.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Very Good). Showing 1-3 of 5 member reviews.

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5 stars (Exceptional) Washed up 80's wrestling sensation, Randy "The Ram", is a sad & lonely figure, desperate for a relationship with his estranged daughter & smitten with an aging stripper. You don't need to be a wrestling fan to appreciate this outstanding performance. ~GenXGirl
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5 stars (Exceptional) Wonderful, emotional, and entirely believable performance by Rourke, a left-for-dead wrestler who wants one last fighting chance. This is more drama than wrestling film, and more real than Hollywood. Overall near-essential viewing. ~Tom H
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5 stars (Exceptional) Rourke is sensational, and overall the film is an emotional powerhouse. ~Wizzums