Watch The Wrestler

The Wrestler is a 2008 drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Evan Rachel Wood. The film follows Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Rourke), a professional wrestler who was a star in the 1980s but is now struggling to make ends meet. Randy is still wrestling, but he is no longer the force he once was, and he is reduced to participating in small-time shows at local high schools and community centers.

As the film opens, we see Randy's life outside the ring. He lives in a trailer park, works in a grocery store, and tries to maintain relationships with his estranged daughter Stephanie (Wood) and a stripper named Cassidy (Tomei) whom he has a crush on. Randy's life is a string of disappointments, and he seems to be always living on the edge of his dreams.

The film then follows Randy as he tries to regain his former glory through wrestling. Despite his failing health and mounting debts, he continues wrestling until he collapses in the ring during a match. His heart issues force him to retire from wrestling, and he must face the reality of his life outside the ring.

The film is a gritty and unflinching look at the world of professional wrestling, exploring the emotional and physical toll it takes on the performers. The film's realism is highlighted by its use of real wrestlers and wrestling events, as well as its focus on the behind-the-scenes workings of the industry.

Mickey Rourke gives a powerful performance as Randy, bringing depth and nuance to a character who could have easily been a stereotype. His portrayal of a broken-down wrestler trying to make a comeback is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and his physical transformation for the role is remarkable. Marisa Tomei also shines as Cassidy, a stripper who is both tough and vulnerable, and Evan Rachel Wood brings complexity to the role of Stephanie, Randy's estranged daughter.

The film's direction is excellent, with Aronofsky bringing an intense and raw energy to the proceedings. The film is shot in a gritty, handheld style that gives it a documentary-like feel, and the use of close-ups and long takes creates a sense of intimacy with the characters. The film's score, featuring songs by Bruce Springsteen, adds to the gritty and realistic tone of the film.

Overall, The Wrestler is a powerful and affecting film that explores the highs and lows of the wrestling industry and the toll it takes on those who participate in it. It's a film about the struggle to find purpose and meaning in life, and the sacrifices that people make in pursuit of their dreams. With its powerful performances, expert direction, and realistic portrayal of the wrestling world, The Wrestler is a must-see film for anyone interested in the human experience.

The Wrestler is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 80.