The Wrestler (2008) Review in 2025
The Wrestler is a gritty and intense drama that follows the life of a professional wrestler struggling to come to terms with his declining career and personal life.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, this movie is not suitable for family viewing due to its mature themes, strong language, and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of drama, sports, and gritty realism. It's a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking film that will leave you moved and inspired.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie takes a dark turn as Randy 'The Ram' Robinson, played by Mickey Rourke, suffers a heart attack during a match and is forced to confront the reality of his situation, leading to a poignant and emotional conclusion.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is raw, honest, and unflinching, tackling themes of identity, mortality, and redemption with unapologetic intensity.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with standout performances from the entire cast, particularly Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, and Eric Roberts.
characters9.50/10
The characters are complex, multi-dimensional, and expertly portrayed by the cast, particularly Mickey Rourke, who delivers a career-defining performance.
direction9.00/10
Darren Aronofsky's direction is masterful, balancing the film's tone and pace with precision and sensitivity.
cinematography8.50/10
The cinematography is gritty, realistic, and immersive, perfectly capturing the world of professional wrestling and its harsh realities.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Wrestler is a masterpiece of contemporary cinema, boasting outstanding performances, direction, and cinematography. It's a raw, honest, and unflinching portrayal of the human condition, tackling themes of identity, mortality, and redemption with unapologetic intensity.
Cons
The film's graphic content, strong language, and mature themes may not be suitable for all audiences. Additionally, some viewers may find the pacing and tone to be uneven at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a fighter, I'm a wrestler."
"I'm not a wrestler, I'm a performer."
"You're a wrestler, Ram. You're a wrestler."
