Review of The Wrestler (2008) by Asif K — 18 Aug 2011

His sense of identity fading into nothingness after the spotlights dim and he experiences a close brush with mortality, a retired wrestler begins to evaluate his life while considering the comeback that could very well kill him in director Darren Aronofsky's poignant portrait of an introspective former superstar in the twilight of his career. Back in his heyday, wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was an icon in the ring. His image immortalized in action figures and video games, he would headline arenas across the globe. Twenty years later, those glory days have passed, and Randy is forced to earn his keep by brawling before handfuls of fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. In the wake of a heart attack, the former icon attempts to earn a little extra cash while working in a deli and making an effort to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Yet, despite Randy's continued attempts at convincing local stripper Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) to settle down with him in his humble trailer, the ring still calls to him. Later, when the prospect of a high-profile rematch with his longtime nemesis presents itself, Randy is forced to weigh his mortality against his desire to hear the crowd roar one last time.

Starring Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Gregg Bello , Wass W. Stevens , Todd Barry , Judah Friedlander.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the man who brought Pi, Requiem for a Dream , The Fountain and the last year's sensation Black Swan.

This movie got 2 Oscar nominations including Best Actor in a Lead Role for Mickey Rourke and Actress in a Supporting Role Marisa Tomei. it also won Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival along with 3 Independent Spirits. one of the best reviewed movies of 2008.

One of the most gut wrenching emotions and powerful raw performances I have seen. Darren makes dark depressing movies and I enjoy watching them alot. I really wanted to watch this movie and I did just today. this movie has raw emotions and close to reality feel to it which makes it hard to watch and definitely no feel good or enjoyable movie it is.

Mickey Rourke returned to big screen with a bang with this honest, brutal and much realistic portrayal of a broke down struggling and soon to retire wrestler who has his own family as well as personal problems. his performance was so honest that it seemed its no The Ram but Mickey himself was portraying himself. many people sort of compare his real life with this character. he gave a brilliant and memorable performance I loved it. one of the best performances I have seen. hands down. Marissa Tomei as Cassidy gave a good performance too. she is a stripper and a mom while randy and she kind of have feelings for each other. she as usual performed very well. she lights up the screen. and Evan Rachel Wood as Stephanie Robinson, Randy's daughter in a minor role gave a good performance too. all in all it has excellent performances.

Darren made this heartbreaking and very brutal movie with ugliness and hardships of life and some pretty gruesome and dirty stuff which are being overshadowed by Mickey's human performance. Darren did an awsome job.great director he is I really want to see his future project. great screenplay and editing with good art direction and cinematography.

As I said this is a shocking and brutal portrayal it has some scenes that made me hard to watch it. the wrestling scenes with wounds and blood were really hard to watch.

This movie has a documentary feel to it, hand held camera technique makes it more realistic, the way this movie has been done makes it real. it is a slow moving movie but these movies doesn't bore me unless they are bad. many reviewers complaint about the slow pace which annoys me so much. this is a great drama, a character driven drama. this movie is a perfectly done masterpiece and a must watch.