The Wrestler film review

The Wrestler film stars Mickey Rourke with supporting actress, Marisa Tomei. Both were Oscar nominated for their performances. Mickey Rourke plays the character Randy the Ram, a wrestler who dominated the sport in the 1980s but twenty years later, he is still trying to do his thing much to our chagrin. His fan base remains loyal. Marisa Tomei's character, Pam (stagename Cassidy) is living a parallel life to Randy as she is an aging exotic dancer. Cassidy has that 'Pretty Woman' rule of not dating or kissing the clients but soon, she falls for Randy. The club where she works is one of his favorite hang out spots and he is her best paying customer but they also have a lot in common and are a support for each other.

At first, Cassidy tries to push Randy away, even when he is sick and alone. She says, "Don't you have a daughter? You should be with family at a time like this." Unfortunately, his daughter can't stand him because of the lifestyle he lived and his never having been there for her.

When Cassidy finally shows that she can indeed reciprocate the feeling Randy has for her, is it too late?

This is a gritty film, very raw right down to the motions of the apparent handheld camera. It is a convincing film that takes you into the world of pro wrestling and the trials of an athlete, a wrestler who is aging out of his sport. The film also shows that even though the wrestling is staged, wrestlers put their bodies through havoc for the love of the sport and entertaining the crowd.

Even if you are not a big wrestling fan, you will be affected/enthralled by this very human film. Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei also do an excellent job in acting their respective roles.

I rate it 4.5/5 stars
(See the official trailer below.)

From Fox Searchlight Pictures
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Written by Robert D. Siegel
Music by Clint Marshall
Starring
Mickey Rourke
Marisa Tomei
Evan Rachel Wood
Ernest Miller
et al.

Running time: 115 minutes

MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) rating = R - Restricted. Under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult

CNS (Catholic News Service) rating = L - Limited adult audiences