It hits like a punch to the gut.

Rating: 10/10 (31 January 2009)

Whatever you opinion on Darren Aronofsky previous film, The Fountain, that shouldn't affect you judgement on whether or not to see The Wrestler. Not only is Darren Aronofsky most mature, authentic and untimely heart crushing movie a film that will go down as one of Aronofsky best but it's the performance Mickey Rourke's been building his carer up for. There isn't a second that Rourke is caught off guard, his presence is undeniable his performance, Oscar worthy. There's this haunting quality for a film so authentic, which really adds to the overall feel you get from watching it.
This is strong meat, and the exact opposite of a feel good chick flick. You end up with a visceral sense of a brutalised, brutalising celebrity culture, its attractions for adoring and adored alike. Most films take a benevolent view of the masses - hardly surprising, really, since they are trying to make money out of them.
This movie isn't afraid to show the cruelty of the public, and that's virtually unique in a Hollywood film. I watch very few movies which couldn't have been improved upon, but this is one of them. I loved every mythic moment of it.
His sense of identity fading into nothingness after the spotlights dim and he experiences a close brush with mortality, a retired wrestler begins to evaluate his life while considering the comeback that could very well kill him in director Darren Aronofsky's poignant portrait of an introspective former superstar in the twilight of his career. Back in his heyday, wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was an icon in the ring. His image immortalized in action figures and video games, he would headline arenas across the globe.
Twenty years later, those glory days have passed, and Randy is forced to earn his keep by brawling before handfuls of fans in high-school gyms and community centres around New Jersey. In the wake of a heart attack, the former icon attempts to earn a little extra cash while working in a deli and making an effort to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood). Yet, despite Randy's continued attempts at convincing local stripper Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) to settle down with him in his humble trailer, the ring still calls to him. Later, when the prospect of a high-profile rematch with his long-time nemesis presents itself, Randy is forced to weigh his mortality against his desire to hear the crowd roar one last time.
Aronofsky has pulled off that rare feat - he's made a great film about a niche subject that will delight wrestling fans and cineastes alike. And Rourke's performance is a knockout. The characters may be stereotypes to us, but they're played here with a love and tenderness and resignation that could break your heart. Emotionally engaging, superbly directed drama, with a terrific script and a powerful, award-winning performance by Mickey Rourke.
Verdict: This is a movie that improves on repeat viewing, having seen it twice already I can easily say it's one of my favourites of the Oscar season, the film resonates for hours after the final credits roll and even if you not enjoying the movie for the most part the end is guaranteed to floor you unlike ever before. For the most part "The Wrestler" defines movie perfection. Brutal, brave and brilliant. This is an emotional roller-coaster that pulls out all the stops and sticks with you days after the films over. It's as simple as that. For my overall rating I give "The Wrestler" 5/5.