I'm not a wrestling fan at all...

Rating: 9/10 (11 July 2012)

but this film was beautiful. Harsh, gritty, awkward in parts but ultimately a triumph of direction and sensitivity. 'The Wrestler' it may be called, and a gritty depiction of lower league wrestling it may give but in the end this story isn't about wrestling at all. It's about a man dealing with his life as the one he loved has passed him by. It deals with his loneliness, his frustrations and his ineptitude at forming normal relationships outside of the ring and life he loved.
There is no happiness in this film, so be warned! A few heart warming moments but ultimately this film is about a personal tragedy. As I said at the top, its beautifully handled with sensitivity and skill by the director of which I really shouldn't be surprised as Aronofsky is also responsible for that other masterpiece of personal tragedy 'requiem for a dream'. In this film he has gained a fan and I look forward to his next works.