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The Wrestler

R Released Dec 17, 2008 1h 50m Drama List
98% Tomatometer 232 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) 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 (Marisa Tomei), and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.
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The Wrestler

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Critics Consensus

Mickey Rourke gives a performance for the ages in The Wrestler, a richly affecting, heart-wrenching yet ultimately rewarding drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Spectator A story of personal ruin and while it certainly does echo Mickey's own life, it wouldn't be fair to say he is playing himself. Sure, Rourke's performance must have been informed by his own past, but that is different, as well as peculiarly powerful. Aug 29, 2018 Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online Great performances, great story. Rated: A Mar 21, 2017 Full Review Hank Sartin Time Out Rated: 5/5 Nov 18, 2011 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand “Warm” and “human” are not two words you associate with Darren Aronofsky, but in 'The Wrestler' he is both, thanks in large part to the heartbreakingly open and vulnerable performance from Mickey Rourke, the comeback story of 2008. Apr 6, 2024 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review The Wrestler presents one of those rare occasions where the performance of its lead actor outweighs a film’s conventional story. Rated: 3/4 Sep 5, 2023 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins A grittily stark and oftentimes sadly humorous look into the life of a lamentable man and his tragic profession. Rated: 7/10 Nov 28, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Isa B Mickey Rourke gives a truly emotional performance and probably the best of his career. Darren Aronofsky knows how to create depression and capture it on film. It is his specialty. This is heavy stuff in The Wrestler. This is the most accurate depiction of a past-his-prime professional wrestler clinging onto what's left of his career and fame that you will ever see. I love the handheld camera work in this picture. It gives it that realistic feel. I love the story arc where there is a ray of hope for Randy. He might be able to restore his relationship with his estranged daughter. He might just have himself a girlfriend in Pam. Well, no such luck for Randy "The Ram". All that's left for him is one more match that his bum ticker can't handle. He would rather go out doing what he loves than to continue on the miserable life he is living these days. What an emotional, sad, but beautiful film. They knocked it out of the park with this one. I highly recommend. 96/100 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/24 Full Review Ohad R A moving performance by Mickey Rourke, as a washed out wrestler (the Ram). Marisa Tomei (Pam), his love interest, works as a stripper. She deserves credit, as the strip club scenes must have taken a toll on her. Bruce Springsteen wrote the ending song, which is powerful and heart rending. If you have a heart, this movie is sure to touch you. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/22/24 Full Review Dave W Heartfelt and genuine. The role Mickey was born to play. A reflection for all of us about how blind ambition can be dangerous. But overall the ending is an Darren Aronofsky masterpiece. Talking about human nature. We are what we are. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/19/24 Full Review tony t I love this movie it was so well done mickey should have won an oscar Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/08/24 Full Review Joshua C Mickey Rourke delivers a powerhouse performance in “The Wrestler”, a simple, yet effective film about the struggle to let go of the past, and ultimately missing out on the present as a result of it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/30/24 Full Review Scarface One of the best films ever made. I love Mickey Rourke. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/28/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Wrestler

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Cast & Crew

Fighting Tommy Riley 63% 53% Fighting Tommy Riley Yonkers Joe 52% 49% Yonkers Joe Poor Boy's Game 83% 66% Poor Boy's Game The Village Barbershop 80% 57% The Village Barbershop Black Snake Moan 66% 69% Black Snake Moan Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) 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 (Marisa Tomei), and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Producer
Scott Franklin, Darren Aronofsky
Screenwriter
Robert D. Siegel
Distributor
Fox
Production Co
Protozoa Pictures, Wild Bunch
Rating
R (Nudity|Language|Sexuality|Some Drug Use|Violence)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 17, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 12, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$26.2M
Runtime
1h 50m
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