“The Wrestler” brings you into world of professional wrestling through Randy “The Ram” Robinson, played by Mickey Rourke. Randy is an aging wrestler showing the signs of strain from years of complicated staged fights with real physical consequences. As the wrestlers are battered in fights some use steriods, drugs and other ways to keep up the appearance they need to stay top in their profession.

Having never been a big fan of Rourke’s I did recognize he had talent as an actor year’s ago. Here he receives a well deserved Oscar nomination for a touching, multi-layered performance that rips at your heart. Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood give strong performances as the stripper Randy loves and and his estranged daughter he yearns to reunite with.

Film viewers should know there is quite a bit of nudity, violence and some drug use in the movie. The film’s direction, screenplay, cinematography and hand held camera work is excellent, taking the viewer into the dark edges of wrestling and the world that Randy lives. “The Wrestler” is a moving portrayal of a man who has nothing left to live for but the acceptance of his wrestling persona. This is a film you should add to your must see list.

2008. Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Starring Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens and Judah Friedlander.

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