Depressing but touching film

Rating: 8/10 (15 February 2010)

This is a brutal and realistic film about a guy named Randy(Mickey Rourke) who is trying to support himself by being in a amateur wrestling but he is also getting old, and he hurts himself every time he tries to make a few bucks. But he is also a honest man and the character that Mickey Rourke plays is honest and likable, so you can't help but feel sympathy for the guy with his hardships. A lot of aspects of this film is pretty realistic especially the wrestling sequences with Randy "The Ram" and every time he gets on the mat it is actually cringe worthy. And while struggling he tries to build a bond with a stripper named Cassidy(Marisa Tomei) and become a better father to his daughter Stephanie(Evan Rachel Wood). As the movie progresses I just couldn't help but feel for Randy, which made the whole scenario even more depressing to watch. The performances was amazing especially from Mickey Rourke, I couldn't tell if he was acting or not, which made the gritty scenes even grittier. I got what I expected from this film and more.
8/10