Rent The Wrestler (2008)

3.7 of 5 from 696 ratings
1h 44min
Rent The Wrestler Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
  • General info
  • Available formats
Synopsis:
Back in the late '80s, Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a headlining professional wrestler. Now, twenty years later, he ekes out a living performing for handfuls of diehard wrestling fans in high school gyms and community centers around New Jersey. Estranged from his daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and unable to sustain any real relationships, Randy lives for the thrill of the show and the adoration of his fans. However, a heart attack forces him into retirement. As his sense of identity starts to slip away, he begins to evaluate the state of his life - trying to reconnect with his daughter, and striking up a romance with an aging stripper (Marisa Tomei).
Yet all this cannot compare to the allure of the ring and passion for his art, which threatens to pull Randy "The Ram" back in.
Actors:
, , , , , , , , , Tommy Farra, , , , , , , Maurizio Ferrigno, , ,
Directors:
Writers:
Robert D. Siegel
Studio:
Optimum
Genres:
Drama, Sports & Sport Films
Collections:
2009, A Brief History of Old Age on Screen: Part 1, Award Winners, BAFTA Nominations Competition 2024, CinemaParadiso.co.uk Through Time, Lions on the Lido, The Biggest Oscar Snubs: Part 2, A Brief History of Film...
Awards:

2009 BAFTA Best Actor

2008 Venice Film Festival Golden Lion

BBFC:
Release Date:
01/06/2009
Run Time:
104 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Within The Ring
  • Interview with Mickey Rourke
  • Theatrical Trailer
BBFC:
Release Date:
01/06/2009
Run Time:
108 minutes
Languages:
English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Within the Ring - Documentary
  • Interview with Mickey Rourke
  • Trailer

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Reviews (5) of The Wrestler

Now that's entertainment - The Wrestler review by CP Customer

Spoiler Alert
07/02/2009

The Wrestler is by today’s standards a low budget American film that normally wouldn’t see the light of day at your local multiplex. Yet thanks to the towering performance by Mickey Rourke, even the major chains cannot resist showing what is a memorable film.

Rourke plays a wrestler, fallen on hard times and struggling to get by with a supermarket job and a weekly event, where fans still turn up to see him perform. The film is refreshing in that it captures a side of America we don’t often see. Widespread poverty, basic healthcare and living on the breadline are all here, combined with the craft of wrestling.

His career may be on its last legs, but physically the years of wrestling have taken their toll. Unfortunately his personal life is also a mess and it seems beyond salvation. The two main females (Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood) also perform admirably in the gritty environment.

You shouldn’t deny yourself this film simply due to the fear of men in spandex. The camaraderie between the wrestlers and how they organise (and endure) bouts hammers home what a tough spectacle it can be.

7 out of 10 members found this review helpful.

Outstanding. - The Wrestler review by CP Customer

Spoiler Alert
15/04/2010

Excellent story, brilliant cast and easily the best performance from Mickey Rourke of his entire career. Absolutely outstanding.

3 out of 3 members found this review helpful.

Rourke at his best - The Wrestler review by PT

Spoiler Alert
17/09/2016

Randy the ram is a wrestler who should have retired about a decade ago. Wrestling in local halls and small time venues, the once famous Randy still ploughs on as its his life, his calling, his love. Rourke is brilliant as the wrestler who doesn't know when to pull the plug.

Marisa Tomei is also outstanding as the pole dancer Randy has the hots for, will she won't she, some outstanding close ups of her expressions stick with me.

His attempts to reconcile with his estranged daughter are moving and tragic. Top notch indie film.

2 out of 2 members found this review helpful.

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