The Wrestler is a 2008 sports drama film. The movie is produced by Wild Bunch and Protozoa Pictures and distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures. The Wrestler was written by Robert Siegel and directed by Darren Aronofsky.
The story is an aging wrestler named Randy "The Ram" Robinson is still wrestling despite waning fame and poor health all in an attempt to recapture the success he had in the 1980s. He also tries to have a relationship with a stripper named Pam and try to fix things with his estranged daughter Stephanie. While Randy is trying his best he can to have a normal life, he still feels the need to go back into the ring.
Why It's Underrated
While the movie did get a HUGE amount praise from critics, audience, people who work in the pro wrestling business, and even won many awards, the movie ultimately goes under everyone's radar. In doing so it's not talked about as much as it should be. Hell, I think I only saw one tv broadcasting on FX or some channel like that but that was years ago.
My Thoughts
One thing I've come to realize about this movie which I find to be one of its many best aspects is you don't have to be a fan of pro wrestling in order to enjoy the movie. You can actually be completely clueless about wrestling but yet still find the film to be a work of cinematic art. Primary because the story of Randy The Ram could have been about a former boxer or any other job where you put your body on the line or your age becomes a liability.
Now to tell you about the story. This is truly heartbreaking story within The Wrestler. From Randy coming to the end of his career, him so desperately trying to live an ordinary life, and him realizing the only place he gets any love is in the ring. Especially that last part about him being loved in the ring, he even says "The only place I get hurt is out there. The world don't give a shit about me." Like I said some real heart wrenching stuff.
Another thing you'll like about the film is it's realism. Everything about the feels real. The characters whether they be major or minor feel real, the wrestling companies that are in the movie are actually companies. But what made The Wrestler feel genuine was how the writer went about portraying the whole concept of the pro wrestling industry. Because sometimes or at least from my experience I've seen the business of pro wrestling either being portrayed in the fictional world of wrestling or they blur the lines to the point of obscurity *cough Ready to Rumble cough*.
The final thing I'll give the movie credit for is Mickey Rourke's performance. This guy perfectly nailed playing this broken down, worn out, and beaten performer that there was no way I could picture the previous candidates (those being Nicolas Cage and Hulk Hogan) being in this role.
The Wrestler is definitely one of my favorite movies. It's story is truly tragic, it feels very real, Rourke's performance is astonishing, and you really don't have to be a fan of wrestling to enjoy it.
My final rating is A Must Watch
Accomplishments
Not only did The Wrestler receive critical acclaim but it also won many awards.
BAFTA Film Awards
Best Leading Actor
Boston Society of Film Critics
Best Actor
Broadcast Film Critics Association
Best Song
Chicago Film Critics Association
Best Actor
Detroit Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Florida Film Critics Circle
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Golden Globes
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Best Original Song - Motion Picture
Independent Spirit Awards
Best Feature
Best Male Lead
Best Cinematography
London Film Critics Circle
Film of the Year
Actor of the Year
Online Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
San Diego Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
San Francisco Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Toronto Film Critics Association
Best Performance, Male
Venice Film Festival
Golden Lion
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association
Best Actor
While the movie did get a HUGE amount praise from critics, audience, people who work in the pro wrestling business, and even won many awards, the movie ultimately goes under everyone's radar. In doing so it's not talked about as much as it should be. Hell, I think I only saw one tv broadcasting on FX or some channel like that but that was years ago.
My Thoughts
One thing I've come to realize about this movie which I find to be one of its many best aspects is you don't have to be a fan of pro wrestling in order to enjoy the movie. You can actually be completely clueless about wrestling but yet still find the film to be a work of cinematic art. Primary because the story of Randy The Ram could have been about a former boxer or any other job where you put your body on the line or your age becomes a liability.
Now to tell you about the story. This is truly heartbreaking story within The Wrestler. From Randy coming to the end of his career, him so desperately trying to live an ordinary life, and him realizing the only place he gets any love is in the ring. Especially that last part about him being loved in the ring, he even says "The only place I get hurt is out there. The world don't give a shit about me." Like I said some real heart wrenching stuff.
Another thing you'll like about the film is it's realism. Everything about the feels real. The characters whether they be major or minor feel real, the wrestling companies that are in the movie are actually companies. But what made The Wrestler feel genuine was how the writer went about portraying the whole concept of the pro wrestling industry. Because sometimes or at least from my experience I've seen the business of pro wrestling either being portrayed in the fictional world of wrestling or they blur the lines to the point of obscurity *cough Ready to Rumble cough*.
The final thing I'll give the movie credit for is Mickey Rourke's performance. This guy perfectly nailed playing this broken down, worn out, and beaten performer that there was no way I could picture the previous candidates (those being Nicolas Cage and Hulk Hogan) being in this role.
The Wrestler is definitely one of my favorite movies. It's story is truly tragic, it feels very real, Rourke's performance is astonishing, and you really don't have to be a fan of wrestling to enjoy it.
My final rating is A Must Watch
Accomplishments
Not only did The Wrestler receive critical acclaim but it also won many awards.
BAFTA Film Awards
Best Leading Actor
Boston Society of Film Critics
Best Actor
Broadcast Film Critics Association
Best Song
Chicago Film Critics Association
Best Actor
Detroit Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Florida Film Critics Circle
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Golden Globes
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Best Original Song - Motion Picture
Independent Spirit Awards
Best Feature
Best Male Lead
Best Cinematography
London Film Critics Circle
Film of the Year
Actor of the Year
Online Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
San Diego Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
San Francisco Film Critics Society
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Toronto Film Critics Association
Best Performance, Male
Venice Film Festival
Golden Lion
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association
Best Actor
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