The Wrestler (2008)

Best movie of this year hands down!

Great Film overall

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Ever since being introduced to wrestling through the WWE by my two older brothers at a very young age, I have been a huge fan of wrestling. Admittedly, in recent years my obsession with the 'sport' has dwindled due to the realisation of its legitimacy as to be even named a 'sport'. However my admiration for those that participate in the sport has never gone away, rather it has only grown stronger. Being a professional wrestler is not only a job, but is an obsession, a way of life and that is expressed beautifully in this movie, The Wrestler. Plot and OpinionsCould the casting of Mickey Rourke in leading role Randy 'The Ram' Robinson be any better? An actor of whom his own glory days seem a lifetime away depicts a washed up wrestler way past his own sell by date, and one who doesn't seem to want to go anywhere anytime soon. Working what can only be described as local gigs, Randy is still the-wrestler-movie-picture-10pushing himself to the limits, performing to small crowds against amateur 'opponents'. After a major turn in Randy's health he is forced to contemplate life, most noticeably through his relationship with his distant daughter. From there Randy's realisation of not being able to compete is truly heartbreaking and seeing him battle his demons is truly moving.The wrestler is interesting in how it doesn't follow the generic sports drama story line of being the best and beating everyone. It's far deeper than that, it explores Randy's struggle, obsession, and sense of loneliness just to stay in the game. Anything outside the world of wrestling is difficult for Randy, he evidently feels safe, secure and fits in that environment. From that it is great how the Director has managed to depict the lengths Randy will go to stay in that environment, spending thousands of dollars on various performance enhancing drugs, the complete lack of friends or family, all sacrifices purely to compete. It's almost as if Wrestling is his coping mechanism, his bubble in which he can truly switch off and not have to worry. Everyone has their bubble, may that be gaming, music, chatting with their friends etc, however wrestling hasn't just becoming a coping mechanism for randy rather his entire life.Now we all know the job of a wrestler is to perform but it's brilliant how the directors has depicted the juxtaposition between reality and performance. Represented beautifully in not only Randy himself but through Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) a 'friend' of Randy's, being stripper at a local strip joint. Upon asking her out on a date, she changes unrecognisably so, not only through her obvious change in appearance but through her innocent, streetwise, gentile speech, a performance I can only but truly commend Marisa for.Notable PerformanceMickey Rourke (The Ram) – From a very small leading cast it is difficult to pick the most notable performance, even though this may be an obvious choice it is truly deserved. You can only truly commend the level as to which Mickey has immersed himself in this role. He dives head first (literally in some cases) into every scene, he never goes over the top, never over exaggerates, rather he gives a very real performance, that only adds to the sincerity of the whole film.Final ThoughtsIt is often difficult not to think of clichés and fictitiousness with regards to wrestling. This film goes way beyond the surface of the glittering, over dramatised main event fights and comical dialogue. The Wrestler peels back the layers, exploring the ugly side, the real life of amateur wrestling and how ones fall from stardom can truly effect someone whom is truly obsessed with their profession. The Film is paced extremely well and every scene and sub plot adds meaning to the overall feel of the plot. Even if you are ambiguous or have a sincere dislike for Wrestling, it is still a great watch and relatable to those who simply can not let something go. 9/10

What I liked about this movie is the emotional take.A wrestler can't fight any more due to medical restrictions. As a result of which he tries to connect a women and his daughter. By not being in main stream of connectivity with his daughter as well as a woman where he usually used to spend his night things are not in favor of the wrestler. He tries to turn the situation but fails to show his love for his daughter and fails in front of bar women for his security reason.He becomes so much troubled and upset that he continues to choose wrestling over such life, despite of medical restrictions. Finally he dies!

This is a good drama movie in which they have shown the story of a wrestler. Mickey Rourke has done tremendous job as he used to be a wrestler and you can imagine what wrestling mean for a wrestler. This is really good movie and if you are wrestling fan then you are going to love this.

The Wrestler is a excellent best Darren Aronofsky , even having a problem , for example the amateur camera style and a script with some problems , the plot is good , the cast is great , the acting is good , Mickey Rourke is excellent, perhaps his best performance in his career, Marisa Tomei is great , chemistry and I took with Rourke is very good , she even compares the character Rourke to Jesus Christ , the picture is good , the dialogues are good , the track sound is good, has great moments , the film is too violent, and sometimes distressing , the Wrestler is a very good movie with a good direction Aronofsky , an excellent soundtrack is a flawless performance of Mickey Rourke . Note 8.6