The Wrestler
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Actors: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
PlotThe film follows the life of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a once-celebrated professional wrestler who now grapples with the dwindling vestiges of his career and the physical toll it has exacted on his body. After decades of headlining big matches and reveling in the adoration of fans, Randy finds himself performing in small community venues for a handful of spectators. Struggling to make ends meet, he works part-time at a supermarket but is determined to regain his past glory in the wrestling ring. Despite his efforts, Randy's body signals its limits through pain and a serious heart condition, forcing him to reconsider the sustainability of his wrestling career. His situation prompts a reevaluation of his life choices and the relationships he has neglected, including the strained one with his estranged daughter.
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Randy attempts to repair the broken bridges in his personal life while grappling with the allure of the wrestling world that defines his identity. His relationship with a similarly disenchanted exotic dancer provides a mirror to his own struggles, offering both a semblance of normalcy outside the ring and the harsh reminder of what life has become for him. As Randy wrestles with the conflict between his passion for the sport and the physical and emotional toll it exacts, he stands at a crossroads, facing tough decisions about his future, his health, and the possibility of finding redemption and meaning beyond the limelight of his youth.
Writers: Robert Siegel
Release Date: 30 Jan 2009
Runtime: 109 min
Rating: R
Country: United States, France
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Defiant resilience meets home cinema passion; 'The Wrestler' shines critically, technologically.
Read our review of The Wrestler Blu-ray to find out more