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The Wrestler
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The Wrestler

2008
Drama
Sport
1h 49m
A drama centered on retired professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Rourke) as he makes his way through the independent circuit, trying to get back in the game for one final showdown with his former rival. (imdb)
Directed by:
Darren Aronofsky Darren Aronofsky
Written by:
Robert Siegel Robert Siegel
Starring:
Marisa Tomei Marisa Tomei Ajay Naidu Ajay Naidu Judah Friedlander Judah Friedlander Mickey Rourke Mickey Rourke Mark Margolis Mark Margolis Evan Rachel Wood Evan Rachel Wood Marcia Jean Kurtz Marcia Jean Kurtz Todd Barry Todd Barry Wass Stevens Wass Stevens Gregg Bello E.J. Carroll John D'Leo
More
Genres:
Drama, Sport
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Wrestler

2008
Drama
Sport
1h 49m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 67.05% from 8444 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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doctor7doctor7
Rated 23 Jan 2009
95
98th
Easily a contender for best picture of 2008. I don't like wrestling and I've never been impressed with Aronofsky's work until this film and it's honestly incredible. Rourke gives a performance of a lifetime and is, without a doubt, the only choice for Randy "The Ram" Robinson. Really it's like a Shakespearean tragedy; our hero has a tragic flaw that forces him towards his ultimate fate. In Randy's case he sacrifices everything for wrestling: his family, the people he loves and himself.
Rated 23 Jan 2009
kmcneilKMcNeil
Rated 05 Jan 2009
9
94th
Stripped down. All the way down, down to the bone. One of those rare movies where everything just blends. The handheld camera following "The Ram" around, often opting for shots from behind instead of from the front, is at once noticable and seamlessly integrated, and all the actors are, of course, pitch perfect. Mickey Rourke is my actor of the year. No doubt. And yes. I almost stopped the movie 2-3 min. before the end. I just couldn't take it anymore.
Rated 05 Jan 2009
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 26 Feb 2009
90
97th
The movie certainly does capture the viewer with beauty and good craftmanship, but this movie takes a serious toll on the viewer. Randy's sheer desperate helplessness is such a hard thing to watch, and it doesn't let up, right up until the last second your left feeling just as helpless and bleak as Randy himself. It's a difficult thing to watch, but extraordinarily powerful also.
Rated 26 Feb 2009
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 29 Dec 2008
6
55th
(rewatch) Suffers from the "Aronofsky effect." In that, the first time you see it, it's amazing, the second time - not so much. I found it hard to sympathize with Rourke's character cause he is such a selfish jerk that really had all the crappy stuff coming to him. The ending is really well done though.
Rated 29 Dec 2008
dst7175dst7175
Rated 20 Jan 2009
92
98th
MICKEY ROURKE PERFORMANCE WAS REMARKABLE. DEPRESSING MOVIE BUT A GREAT STORY. I THOUGHT IT TO BE LIKE A DOCUMENTARY IN THE LIFE OF RANDY "THE RAM ROBINSON(ROURKE) A WRESTLER ONCE AT THE TOP BUT NOW IS TRYING TO GET BACK. ALSO MARISA TOMEI IS STILL HOT.
Rated 20 Jan 2009
jebJeb
Rated 04 Jan 2009
98
93rd
The Wrestler is the best movie of 2008. there's no other exceptions or obstacles holding it back to the winning prize. Rourke has such a range as an actor, sometimes being depressed, having a pure sense of nostalgia and he even fully captures the spirit of his fictitious alter-ego, Randy Robinson. Effectingly emotional and grippingly tight, this heartfelt drama packs a earning punch of joy to all faithful viewers to see it.
Rated 04 Jan 2009
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 31 Jan 2009
4
70th
The Wrestler's greatest strength lies in its honesty. It's not always a comfortable movie to watch, and it's heartbreaking at times, but Aronofsky respects his audience (and the character) too much to give either an easy way out. Rourke is a shoo-in for a Best Actor nom.
Rated 31 Jan 2009
tonytheponyTonythePony
Rated 30 Sep 2009
88
90th
A testament to pain, indignity and masked despair. The documentary style over the shoulder camera and occasional score keep this intimate. Combined with the vulnerable amiability of Rourke, this provides a rawness and honesty that is mesmerising. Every blow, physical and emotional, is transferred to the viewer. Randy is slighted, humbled, degraded and so are we. The ending is our release. Aronofsky and Rourke made me empathise with and care about a wrestler FFS, that's an achievement.
Rated 30 Sep 2009
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 29 Dec 2008
8
78th
Aside from a clichéd and trite final act, the film is nothing short of dazzling, Aronofsky's camera work really stands out, following The Ram through his daily life and his entourage of wrestlers (that aspect was quite gripping) but also giving the actors their space and moment to shine, with Rourke giving the performance of his life.
Rated 29 Dec 2008
skenkereSkenkere
Rated 01 Jan 2009
90
96th
A true character piece, with Mickey Rourke really inhabiting his character of Randy the Ram so believably you'd think he actually existed. It almost feels like a documentary, because of the camera and because it really just focuses and follows the character, rather than just using him to drive a plot forward. It's almost a redemption story, but not quite, and to be honest the whole thing is pretty heartbreaking in a lot of ways. Fantastic direction and an amazing performance by Rourke.
Rated 01 Jan 2009
bitch_alertBitch Alert
Rated 18 Jan 2009
100
97th
Aronofsky's latest is a surprisingly down-to-earth depiction of an aging wrestler struggling to fit into the real world after being forced to abandon his old life. Mickey Rourke's role is in many ways autobiographical, and he does a fine job playing himself. Tomei also makes a bold move as an aging stripper. The only downfall is Wood, who doesn't bring anything new to the clichéd role of the abandoned daughter. Aronofsky knows how to end the film also, making it a haunting experience. Superb.
Rated 18 Jan 2009
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 25 Jan 2009
93
94th
Mickey Rourke is heartbreaking in this low-key production about the life of a former pro wrestling star. I'm not a wrestling fan, yet The Ram's story gripped me in a way few films have. The raw documentary style bucks the trend of traditional sports dramas. We feel his pain as he sacrifices his health, alienates his daughter and ends up losing everything important. His lone refuge is the delicate friendship with a middle-aged exotic dancer played to depressing reality by Marisa Tomei.
Rated 25 Jan 2009
walkearthwalkearth
Rated 24 Apr 2009
85
98th
Mickey Rourke makes an awesome performance, truly deserves his nomination from the Academy. And he fits perfectly for the role. That, with the great screenplay and the amazing Aronofsky, who brought us The Fountain, makes for an astonishing film! Definitely a must-see!
Rated 24 Apr 2009
mentaculusMentaculus
Rated 05 Jan 2009
92
92nd
This is a small, simple film that always hits its mark: casting, pacing and dialogue are nearly perfection. You have to hand it to Aronofsky, he manages to cinematically illustrate a contradiction: here's a man whose self-destructive qualities also lead to his transcendence. The poignancy of that element alone rank it in the top tier of all film character studies.
Rated 05 Jan 2009
paxtonPaxton
Rated 30 Aug 2012
84
93rd
It amuses me to no end that it took a movie about wrestling to remind the world of all the damage boxing did to Mickey Rourke's face.
Rated 30 Aug 2012
quintonjaminQuintonjamin
Rated 21 Aug 2021
70
66th
I really enjoyed it and loved a lot of the scenes, especially in the deli, but I didn't think it was as fantastic as others apparently have. I definitely want to check out Aronofsky's other movies after watching this and black swan.
Rated 21 Aug 2021
vesupriavesupria
Rated 01 Apr 2010
5
44th
I get the whole 'this is all he knows, and the only people who care in the whole world are his audience' existential type dilemma, and the fact that this is very honest, but I didn't find it that enlightening, nor did I find Rourke all inspiring. It's balls to the wall stuff, but it's his choice, and I guess even though in the end he lives with that choice, I don't think that it's a particularly good one. I mean let's ignore the consequences some more because reality is too hard.
Rated 01 Apr 2010
hellsditchhellsditch
Rated 17 Feb 2009
85
85th
It did a fantastic job of portraying, what I assume the indy wrestling circuit is like for the older vets, and I appreciated the nods to insider rasslin' lingo. Rourke was very good, and I appreciated the unrelenting despair. Only thing I was non-plussed by was Ram's personal life and character. I felt they were a tad underdeveloped, and the ending with Tomei attending the match was odd, since no explanation was given about why she had decided to finally give The Ram a chance. Still, very good.
Rated 17 Feb 2009
cinemahellcinema_hell
Rated 05 Jun 2009
75
46th
During the first 20, 30 minutes, it seemed like it was going to be a very nice movie. Then it got kind of obvious. But anyway, not bad, for Aronofsky's standards...
Rated 05 Jun 2009
spanksSpanks
Rated 05 Jun 2010
95
98th
Haunting is the only way to describe this. It's Aronofsky's best and one of the finest films to come out in the past decade.
Rated 05 Jun 2010
lucluc
Rated 10 Dec 2009
72
80th
I do not know what to think of this movie. A sort of Rocky story with a comeback, but this time about wrestling, some drugs and sex, to make it more great, I think. Nevertheless the story must be great for the public because it gets everywhere on internet overrated scores. Not so much wrestling scenes to see in the middle part where it was more a drama. Conclusion : not bad movie but for me not awesome.
Rated 10 Dec 2009
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 05 Feb 2009
87
90th
Intense and haunting. Rourke's acting brings Randy to life, and the minimalistic style only furthers to intensify the story. All three wrestling matches are brutal in their realism. It can be argued that the last act gets melodramatic, but the sheer beauty of the last several shots makes up for that completely. Definitely one of the best of 2008.
Rated 05 Feb 2009
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 14 Feb 2009
82
67th
Strong movie with all the elements, but I can't see the greatness. Rourke's character arc is well done but it wasn't as impacting as it could have been, as even though everything in the film revolves around him we only see him from the outside. Still, it's a very gripping and well done film.
Rated 14 Feb 2009
mini_tMini-T
Rated 01 Mar 2009
93
96th
Perfect casting. Rourke just shows that he has been trough a lot ,and that's what this role needs. His worn-out and scarred face just nails it. Excellent work by Aronofsky , who tells and makes a very realistic film and almost makes the film look like a documentary. The insight in the world of wrestlers was schocking and moving.Those are my favorite parts in the movie.The Wrestler is Rourke's way back top the top. He deserves it. Marisca Tomei is good and makes here character shine aswell.
Rated 01 Mar 2009
cosmicmonkeyCosmicMonkey
Rated 01 Feb 2018
83
77th
A strong, compelling, emotionally moving humanist drama, that is also my favourite Aronofsky film thus far. It starts slow, but slowly lures you into an almost Shakespearean sense of tragedy. Also, note the numerous explicit biblical imagery and comparisons throughout. Is he a messianic hero who sacrificed himself for the greater good (his fans) or a selfish man whose obsession with his career and legacy led to his own downfall? You decide.
Rated 01 Feb 2018
zealot185Zealot185
Rated 19 Jan 2009
96
98th
Practically every single scene builds upon the theme that Randy the Ram is a man out of time. He's a product of the 80s - a decade where he was in his prime - which is why he listens to 80s rock, sells VHS tapes at wrestler signings, plays his own NES video game, revisits an abandoned amusement park, and is unfamiliar with today's drugs. Aronofsky shoots all of this in such a minimalist style that it almost tricks you into thinking this is all normal, but it's actually heart-breaking. Excellent.
Rated 19 Jan 2009
jenny_gentlejenny gentle
Rated 16 Jan 2009
92
96th
After "the fountain" disaster, this movie is not only mickey rourke's but also aronofsky's comeback. Although it includes some hollywood cliche, rourke's performance is legendary enough to erase them from your mind. hope rourke to win every award possible...
Rated 16 Jan 2009
turinturin
Rated 20 Mar 2009
85
95th
In my eyes by far the best film of 2008. That year made me forget what cinema is about and Arronofsky came to rescue, with a simple story, real (albeit not that average) people and intense emotions, but without action, fancy camerawork special effects and bags of money behind it . It is interesting, it is powerful, it is sad, it is real.
Rated 20 Mar 2009
kalmah7Kalmah7
Rated 01 Feb 2009
90
95th
Searing look into a troubled life is nothing short of amazing. Feels all too real, and has one of the most wrenching parental relationships I've seen. Hardly a flaw to point out. Every illustration is well made and is never excessive or pointless.
Rated 01 Feb 2009
potzblitzPotzblitz
Rated 14 Feb 2009
93
79th
Great film. It's amazing that Aronofsky made this after The Fountain though, how weird is that progression? Especially because it's not the script or the directing that makes The Wrestler work, it's Rourke and Rourke only -- there's just no way to imgagine this film with a different lead actor. Lest I forget: Tomei is great as well.
Rated 14 Feb 2009
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 03 Jan 2010
95
97th
An emotionally charged character piece that blew me away. I have rarely felt as emotionally connected to a character in a movie as I did with Randy "The Ram." Credit for that goes to Rourke for his amazing portrayal, Aronofsky for the immersive directing style and Siegel for the tragic story. I don't know a single person who can't relate to this in at least some way. It was definitely my favorite movie of 2008.
Rated 03 Jan 2010
nathandarkoNathanDarko
Rated 07 Jan 2009
98
98th
Everything I want to say was said by other Criticker's. Wrestler is my first Movie Highlight 2009 and sets the mark for common Movies this year extremly high. I've never thought that Rourke is such a great Actor. He plays so wonderful. Wrestler s a must see for every Movie-Junk
Rated 07 Jan 2009
saucyjacksaucyjack
Rated 29 Jan 2009
91
92nd
Spare, minimalistic, and ultimately heartbreaking film that truly provides a performance for the ages. Mickey Rourke puts on a show with the best performance of the year, living inside "The Ram" and making the character his own. All other actors do a heck of a job as well, a large testament to Aronofsky's ability. He truly is one to watch, having produced three fantastic films thus far in his young career. A can't-miss movie that hits all the right notes and possibly the best of the year.
Rated 29 Jan 2009
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 01 Mar 2009
80
90th
Very nice movie. Could have been an hour longer imo. BTW Marisa Tomei gets more beautiful every year.
Rated 01 Mar 2009
feublofeublo
Rated 20 Aug 2020
90
90th
Simply humanizing. Aronofsky has detailed such a wonderful archetype with Mickey Rourke. His counterpart, Marisa Tomei plays a beautiful contrast as we see the fate of their identities. Right down to the camerawork, it all comes together for a genuine, yet brutal reality.
Rated 20 Aug 2020
clayj41clayj41
Rated 25 Jan 2009
94
98th
An up and coming star finds himself relegated to a life he can no longer stand, all the while never giving up on doing the thing he was born to do. No, that's not a description of Mickey Rourke's career, but rather that of his character Randy "The Ram" Robinson...although the distinction isn't always clear. Rourke gives the performance of a lifetime and Marisa Tomei shines as his stripper love interest. The Wrestler is the best picture of 2008 and possibly the decade.
Rated 25 Jan 2009
jstryjstry
Rated 14 Feb 2009
90
91st
The acting was really convincing all around (Rourke especially, it's hard to believe he's not REALLY a wrestler) and the story was one that needed to be told. The entire movie was brutal and intense, but also entirely believable. The ending was somewhat dramatic and predictable, but it wasn't nearly enough to ruin anything. Some of the scenes were a bit gruesome for my liking, but the fact that I still came away thinking I'd seen something great says a lot.
Rated 14 Feb 2009
indyatmnINDYATMN
Rated 29 Dec 2008
87
80th
An unflinching & moving portrait, despite some moments of predictability(the ending) & 1 particularly incongrous H'wood-romantic-comedy-level implausible scene involving Tomei making a decision. The acting is fantastic all around however,&the film's far enough removed from the usual "coulda been a contender" underdog story to merit most of the praise coming its way. The raw cinematography is a perfect fit & Tomei has never looked prettier, especially in her daytime outfit.
Rated 29 Dec 2008
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 12 Dec 2008
95
96th
Beautiful. Rourke completely sells his character, and makes you feel for him during those wrestling scenes, in which you're not sure when the pain is real or not. The most inspiring film I've seen all year.
Rated 12 Dec 2008
supergloosupergloo
Rated 08 Feb 2009
5
18th
Mickey Rourke gives an incredible performance in a film which will either make you appreciate your own life more, or conversely, make you want to end it all.
Rated 08 Feb 2009
ranaldRanald
Rated 23 Jan 2009
95
95th
Heartbreaking, stunning movie. Mickey Rourke is beyond brilliant; you can see why Aronofsky refused to even consider anyone else for the role.
Rated 23 Jan 2009
evnEv@n
Rated 01 Jan 2009
96
94th
Darren Aronofsky crafts one of the most heartbreaking, beautifully captured motion pictures of the year. Every pain Randy suffers you can feel. The cast, perfection. The main song, best of the year. The Directing and script are also first class. Everything about this film is so mesmerizing, and actually very subtle. One of the most moving, and best films of the year. A
Rated 01 Jan 2009
wicheWiche
Rated 24 Jul 2009
91
96th
A great movie with a superb story, full of emotions and a great performance of Mickey Rourke, he really deserved that Oscar! I think everybody will watch this story and will get dragged into this superb world in which he has to deal with all those problems, and out of which he can only escape by the one thing that'll kill him. Great!
Rated 24 Jul 2009
teddedonTedDedon
Rated 30 Dec 2008
95
94th
If not the film of the year, The Wrestler is at least in the discussion. In what is one of the most endearing and subtle portrayals of a broken-down man, Mickey Rourke revitalizes his obvious talent in the performance of his career and possibly of the year--which says a lot in 2008. The Wrestler is a fantastic example of strong writing, directing, and acting coming together to achieve a realistic and interesting film that doesn't need a high budget to outperform virtually all else.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
halfjapaneseHalfJapanese
Rated 15 Jan 2010
90
90th
A low-key character study that does a great job of portraying one man's fade from the spotlight and struggles attempting to return to the ring.
Rated 15 Jan 2010
mjvmoviemanMJVmovieMan
Rated 14 Jan 2009
93
97th
Mickey Rourke delivers a remarkable flesh-and-blood performance in Darren Aronofsky's reserved, big-hearted drama. Rourke descends to the depths of despair and loneliness, showcasing a stripped down, gloss-less portrayal of a middle-aged man at the end of his career with no one to turn to when the spotlight fades. "The Wrestler" is an honest, powerful piece of work, and quite an achievement for its star who undoubtedly deserves a Best Actor Oscar in a film worthy of award recognition as well.
Rated 14 Jan 2009
therealj_roTheRealJ-Ro
Rated 18 May 2009
100
99th
Shocking, I know, but let me mark out. Mickey Rourke is the fucking man. The fact that he worked so hard to really understand the world of pro wrestling, taking insight from a lot of well-respected men in the industry, is a testament to the industry itself. This flick made me cry, which it probably shouldn't have, but pro wrestling holds such a tender place in my heart, that this flick would have had to work hard to disappoint me. Tomei and ERW were great eye candy, and played compelling roles.
Rated 18 May 2009
radresRadres
Rated 01 Feb 2009
87
92nd
This is one of the shining gems that '08 has to offer. Arronofskys great directing and Mickey Rourkes performance -one of his bests- makes it a haunting experience. It's so easy to notice how much effort they put in "The Wrestler", a great story yet told in a very humble way that just fits the Charackter of Randy "The Ram". I liked how the movie showed us the struggle of those who has to literally use their flesh to entertain people and how ungrateful this life can be. The ending, breathtaking
Rated 01 Feb 2009
zombiebuffetZombieBuffet
Rated 15 Jun 2009
60
50th
Huh? I felt like I missed something with all the insanely overrated reviews. Rourke did a good job with the character, yes. But Aronofsky adds nothing to this movie by leaving out his trademark directing style. Overall, it just becomes an average story about characters that I do not care about.
Rated 15 Jun 2009
ytadelYtadel
Rated 21 Dec 2008
8
93rd
A wonderful character study that will linger in your mind, with moments of sadness, aching nostalgia, and rich laughter. Mickey Rourke's performance is truly something special and will go down in history as one of film's finest.
Rated 21 Dec 2008
gtown1479gtown1479
Rated 23 Jan 2010
84
81st
Rourke does a great job with his character in this film. Wrestling seems to be all he has. It is like it has trapped his life. I just found it eye opening as Rourke faced so many tough decisions after a life-changing event. Decisions that I would think would be easy to make, but what I again learned is that it is hard to make those decisions when you have not walked in that characters shoes. This all came together to me during the final scenes of the film. Good stuff.
Rated 23 Jan 2010
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 27 Jul 2009
80
85th
This could be just another sport melodrama, but Aronofsky delivers a huge, powerful and yet touching film, with the outstanding help of Mickey Rourke and Robert Siegel.
Rated 27 Jul 2009
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 08 Aug 2011
73
45th
Not a bad character study, but lacks distinction. I thought the theme of people past their prime in their chosen professions was interesting, but not developed fully enough. The film hinges on Rourke's performance, which to his credit is excellent. A genuine and relatable portrayal. However, my interest started to wane as the movie wore on, just not quite enough meat on these bones, and nothing too surprising develops. Still, an engaging film with a few nice touches.
Rated 08 Aug 2011
kasperlKasperL
Rated 25 Apr 2009
90
97th
Rourke gives an amazing performance, and it seems pretty obvious that he might have been able to relate to a character who once showed great promise and was near the top of his game and then turned into something worn-down and rather pitiful. The scenes in the supermarket and at the convention are killers.
Rated 25 Apr 2009
amerigoamerigo
Rated 21 Feb 2009
88
93rd
The script might have a couple ubiquitous sport cliches, but you hardly notice them in between Rourke's astounding perfomance and Aronfsky's usual directing excellence. The film actually made you feel the burden of old age. A tour de force.
Rated 21 Feb 2009
bharathbharath
Rated 29 May 2009
83
95th
To start of, this movie is really awesome. This movie hits you right where it hurts. Leaves you heartbroken. Mickey Rourke's acting as Randy "The Ram" Robinson is just amazing. You feel both his physical and emotional pain in this movie. This movie is predictable but full credits to the director Aronofsky to keep you entwined in this movie. A must see, Mickey Rourke deserved an Oscar for this as did the movie.
Rated 29 May 2009
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 16 Sep 2009
50
38th
It's a step above the moralistic exploitation of Requiem for a Dream, but still nothing to merit the hype. I found The Wrestler superficially entertaining and nicely cast, but since it relies so very heavily on clichés I can't say I got anything else from it (I actually liked Rocky Balboa better).
Rated 16 Sep 2009
thedo666thedo666
Rated 02 Jan 2009
95
97th
Gut Wrenching movie which defies expectation. Whereas Rocky was about a man who happened to be a Boxer, The Wrestler is about a wrestler who happens to be a man. Whereas Rocky did it for love, Randy does it for the thrill and pop of the crowd - even when it costs him his most treasured relationships. It's the kind of film that many will ignore because of its title, but I defy anyone to not to be wanting "The Ram" to make it, which is a testament to how truly great this movie is.
Rated 02 Jan 2009
egbertsouseEgbertSouse
Rated 11 May 2009
90
75th
Less of a film, but rather a fictional documentary. Soul sucking to the end, but a grand show of acting.
Rated 11 May 2009
td888td888
Rated 15 Jun 2009
60
57th
I guess I got tricked by the T10 ratings of all my kumpels and was expecting too much. It's a good film, but that's about it. Also the ending was disappointing.
Rated 15 Jun 2009
thmertensth_mertens
Rated 23 Feb 2009
75
68th
Besides a pretty predictable story, this again shows the versatility of Aronofsky. Coming from Pi, evolving to Requiem, going to The Fountain, and now The Wrestler. This guy got skills. Of course Rourke, telling his own life story, had no choice of being nothing less than magnificent. Marisa Tomei's acting skills are again reduced to walk around topless, but she did it with flair. ... The wrestler is powerful cinema, but the predictability and the lack of subtility do pull it down.
Rated 23 Feb 2009
markjpMArkjp
Rated 24 Aug 2011
90
90th
The first installment in Aronofskys superb high/low combo. The story provides perfect material for the resurrection of Mickey Rourke. And come on: You know that you wanted http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-VAz-4x9hc at the Oscars instead of http://youtu.be/9HFRjamyua0?t=5m40s.
Rated 24 Aug 2011
timmotimmo
Rated 16 Jul 2009
95
88th
Very well done. Amazing performances all around. Aronofsky has this skill of taking audiences and making them feel any emotion he wants--he's really good at his job. Pretty fantastic film.
Rated 16 Jul 2009
optimusmikeOptimus_mike
Rated 26 May 2009
95
96th
Tragic and beautiful, The Wrestler is the best movie of 2008.
Rated 26 May 2009
matthew_parkinsonMatthew Parkinson
Rated 21 Mar 2011
90
97th
The Wrestler is a really, really good movie. It has drama, tension, while telling an interesting and believable story. Randy Robinson is a character that grows on you quickly, even while completely destructive things happen to his body, mind and life. Mickey Rourke is incredible in the lead role, and the film, most importantly, makes you care. It's a heartbreaking film. Or it was for me, and likely will be for you as well.
Rated 21 Mar 2011
coffeeaddictCoffeeAddict
Rated 01 Mar 2017
90
81st
A genuine portrayl of the independant wrestling circuit which is equally grueling as it is fruitless.
Rated 01 Mar 2017
cinephile777Cinephile777
Rated 19 Nov 2017
87
62nd
Raw, gritty, authentic n real--shot like a doc. ... brutal, heartbreaking nd depressing, but excellent n entertaining, nonetheless. It's vry hard to watch, but even more difficult to look away from. There r never any punches pulled or false notes played. The grainy cinematography is a perfect fit. All the acting is totally believable. I never felt like I was being lied to or taken for a dumb chump. I highly recmmnd this film to any1 who likes their Films served up w/out a single ounce of bs.
Rated 19 Nov 2017
cowfrappecowfrappe
Rated 02 Jan 2009
82
91st
All the elements of this film--the acting, the direction, the script, the cinematography--come together to create one of the most gripping cinematic experiences of 2008.
Rated 02 Jan 2009
emtiltemtilt
Rated 19 Nov 2009
69
64th
Overrated. Yeah, it's a good performance by the lead, but the script boils down to a fairly simple sports movie and character study. Aronofsky leaves out all his trademarks and thus adds little. His hand is only visible in the walk-up-to-deli doubling as walk-out-to-wrestle scene (and this would have been subtler if he left out the wrestling crowd sounds) and the final shots of Rourke up on the ropes. It was still a quite good movie, but no masterpiece. Too much melodrama.
Rated 19 Nov 2009
mohkoMohko
Rated 30 Dec 2008
90
97th
Who would have thought Aronofsky could make such a small film. Rourke pretty much is "The Ram" and I couldn't think of anyone else in this part.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
letskillrobotsletskillrobots
Rated 27 May 2009
30
89th
No ending is the best ending.
Rated 27 May 2009
inhmninhmn
Rated 15 Jan 2009
10
25th
not like it at all. Pack of cliches mixed and patched together and one piece of a crap at the end.
Rated 15 Jan 2009
ewp805ewp805
Rated 11 Aug 2009
91
96th
Best to come out of '08.
Rated 11 Aug 2009
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 25 Aug 2009
82
86th
The directing is good and Mickey Rourke excellent for the role. But the story was a bit too straight forewards and predictable and the theme was not that my kind of film.
Rated 25 Aug 2009
funkyastroFunkyAstro
Rated 31 Oct 2009
90
93rd
This movie was beautiful from start to finish. The end was predicable but sometimes a cliche is most fitting for an ending. Rourke was incredible and hands down deserved Best Actor. Aronofsky totally justified his performance. Perfect one-two punch (er wait that's boxing). This movie was true to its very core and almost had me believing that I was watching a documentary at times. The Wrestler is one of the best movies to come out of 2008 and everyone should see it twice.
Rated 31 Oct 2009
x_humanx-human
Rated 26 Feb 2010
79
59th
We all knew how it'd unfold from the start, but what's good is the execution. Rourke comes off very truthfully, like he's not acting at all. Nothing too remarkable about it, but nothing to complain about either.
Rated 26 Feb 2010
obdurateObdurate
Rated 25 Jan 2009
85
80th
Woo hoo, I'm part of the cool club! It gives an actual insightful look into wrestling, with fantastic acting and a fantastic script, that is quite lifelike. Less flashy than The Fountain, more emotionally engaging (though I was engaged by the Fountain as well).
Rated 25 Jan 2009
johnnyzombieJohnnyZombie
Rated 21 May 2009
93
91st
A simple film that wears its heart on its sleeve. Mickey Rourke is engaging and funny as Randy "The Ram" Robinson. Very difficult to watch, but ultimately rewarding.
Rated 21 May 2009
nepetaNepeta
Rated 28 Mar 2013
75
56th
A moving, engaging character study. The psuedo-documentary camerawork suits the content well and the film is quite heartbreaking not least of all thanks to Rourke's impeccable performance. Let down somewhat by the weak resolution to the daughter strand of the plot and the questionable almost fetishistic excess of violence.
Rated 28 Mar 2013
toddsaltertoddsalter
Rated 09 Apr 2017
91
80th
Pleasant surprise. Not the action movie I expected. Definitely an amazing performance by Rourke.
Rated 09 Apr 2017
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 16 Dec 2010
81
95th
A powerful, heart-wrenching performance by Mickey Rourke. The direction by Aronofsky isn't quite as flashy as usual but is extraordinarily effective. A beautiful, incredibly well made film.
Rated 16 Dec 2010
mlightle3mlightle3
Rated 24 Jan 2009
100
98th
Grittiest, true to life filmmaking in a long while. Everything about it is pitch perfect.
Rated 24 Jan 2009
slassyslassy
Rated 31 Dec 2008
80
65th
So glad it was Rourke and not Nicholas Cage that ended up getting the part.
Rated 31 Dec 2008
tripleshTripleSH
Rated 11 Mar 2009
98
99th
There is nothing bad I can say about this film. This movie pulls back the curtain on exactly how it is on the independent wrestling circuit for a once-was on his way out. Extremely powerful and moving, and flawlessly acted on all levels.
Rated 11 Mar 2009
lustforlifelustforlife
Rated 16 Apr 2009
90
93rd
As someone who used to be a fan of WWF and WCW as a kid and someone who loves dramatic films presently- this film was a real treat. Very emotional, gritty, and real.
Rated 16 Apr 2009
crayonCRAYON
Rated 23 Jun 2009
92
92nd
Very interesting movie about a very different lifestyle.
Rated 23 Jun 2009
jack_boomJack Boom
Rated 17 Oct 2008
95
92nd
Darren Aronofsky has redeemed himself greatly by toning it down a notch and doing a much more simple story of an aging professional wrestler played wonderfully by Mickey Rourke who's nearing the end of his career and doing small wrestling gigs to make ends meet. After having a heart attack and told by doctors that his wrestling career is over, Rourke struggles with his life and doesn't know what to do and this is where the the centre of the story is based on. Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood pr
Rated 17 Oct 2008
buffratingsbuffratings
Rated 15 Apr 2017
93
91st
Few other films capture physical pain, emotional distress, and pure desperation quite like The Wrestler, channeled here through artistic excellence thanks to Mickey Rourke's incredible performance and Darren Aronofsky's singular touch.
Rated 15 Apr 2017
djrossdjross
Rated 16 Jun 2009
65
71st
Good performances. Some scenes were good, but others were just a little too clichéd and predictable. Obviously a little better than something like ROCKY BALBOA, but not in the same class as something like FAT CITY.
Rated 16 Jun 2009
filliganFilligan
Rated 25 Feb 2009
89
75th
Aronofsky has a wonderful comeback after The Fountain. His simple take on The Wrestler is refreshing, but also damn effective. Half the time it feels like just him following Rourke with a hand-held, and that's the brilliance of the direction he took. It's Rourke's film, though, through and through. Without his subtleties, his range, and his captivating personification of The Ram, the film would fail. We wouldn't care as much if it weren't for his talented work here. No one could do it better.
Rated 25 Feb 2009
stainStain
Rated 18 Dec 2008
60
47th
Basically a celebration of a subculture that's not even *fun* trash. These characters are obsessed with the sport, try to live in the '80s as much as possible, and even still listen to hair metal. *retch* The plot details read like yet another TV movie of the week; worse still, we're clearly supposed to feel sorry for the titular character, but, as the film progresses, it's more and more obvious that he's a huge jerk
Rated 18 Dec 2008
davidblastDavidBlast
Rated 16 Nov 2009
85
88th
A pretty straight drama story, but also a Rourke tour de force (I never tire of using the term "career best"), and that alone makes it worth owning. And hey. It's about wrestling. Come on, do it with me: Bend your arm. Now lift it. Pad yourself on the elbow. Good. Now go see 'The Wrestler'.
Rated 16 Nov 2009
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 08 Mar 2012
82
91st
Aronofsky's films often deal with a character who puts his all into improving or becoming something more. It's a sacrifice that's presented with more realism in his films than in, say Rocky. That theme was done here better than probably any of his other films. Tugs at the heart strings in a way that feels alllllmost too sappy, but never quite.
Rated 08 Mar 2012
tinythedoggtinythedogg
Rated 23 Nov 2009
100
99th
Leave it to Darren Aronofsky to direct a movie like this. This is subject matter that I thought could have been done a long time ago, with the beatings that some wrestlers take over their careers for the fans. I like how the subject matter was treated respectfully and not made into another goofy wrestling movie. Mickey Rourke does an amazing job as does Marisa Tomei. I was quite surprised to see Todd Barry in this as well, and he also did a great job. A great fil although a predictable end.
Rated 23 Nov 2009
tripwyreTripwyre
Rated 10 Jan 2009
95
96th
Aronofsky heads in the opposite direction from The Fountain, telling one stripped-down story that looks and feels real. It's his best film yet. Rourke and Tomei are both fantastic as bottom-rung performers leading messy lives, and the parallels and differences between them are drawn beautifully. Rourke gives a mammoth performance, hitting every note on the emotional scale. The film is surprisingly funny, and the WWE-style behind-the-back tracking camera documenting the mundane is a nice touch.
Rated 10 Jan 2009
oldgoatoldgoat
Rated 28 Jul 2009
83
88th
It has a lot of heart, thats for sure
Rated 28 Jul 2009
nothingsgoodNothingsGood
Rated 05 Apr 2011
80
89th
Darren Aronofky attempts to resurrect the career of Mickey Rourke in this visceral character study of a past-his-prime Wrestler trying to cope with life outside of the ring. Aronfosky's documentary style filming paired with Rourke's moving performance root the Wrestler in a realism few films can capture.
Rated 05 Apr 2011
afx237viafx237vi
Rated 08 Feb 2012
80
84th
Couldn't help but think of Sunset Blvd as I watched this. Randy the Ram and Norma Desmond are cut from the same cloth - sad caricatures of their former selves playing out past glories in a world that moved on a long time ago. Rourke puts in a career-defining performance, and Aronofsky's direction is, if not exactly subtle, certainly subtler than his previous work.
Rated 08 Feb 2012
biedronskiBiedronski
Rated 25 Jan 2009
80
72nd
I'm a WWE fan, and the way that the life of an over the hill 80's wrestler was portrayed was great. The matches he wrestled were done very well, giving you an inside look at behind the scenes. But honestly I did expect better from this. It was long, drawn out, and depressing, which was pretty much expected. And I thought A couple of things could have changed with the ending, (Small Spoiler) I wish Tomei would have been at the top of the ramp when he looked. Good movie, low rewatch value.
Rated 25 Jan 2009
ebelcEbelC
Rated 10 Feb 2011
70
72nd
The most interesting thing about this movie is that unlike most sports movies, it's not winning the other guy or team what matters, but the fight the wrestler do to his own age, the consequences of his past mistakes, and that he's not choosing between two different lives, but to live or not. No matter how much he cares or he would like too, the only way he knows how to live is wrestling. Of course, the movie is also well done and has great performances.
Rated 10 Feb 2011

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