Released in 2009, The Wrestler is a dramatic film directed by Darren Aronofsky, which plunges viewers into the world of professional wrestling through the story of Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a washed-up wrestler played by Mickey Rourke. The role marked Rourke's return to the forefront of cinema, earning him praise and several nominations. The film, while tackling the raw, merciless world of wrestling, is above all an intimate tale of loneliness, redemption and the difficulty of leaving an all-consuming passion behind.
In the late '80s, Randy "The Ram" Robinson was a wrestling legend, adored by adoring crowds. Twenty years later, he's a shadow of his former self, performing in small gyms and community centers for second-rate shows. Isolated, unable to maintain stable relationships, especially with his daughter Stephanie (played by Evan Rachel Wood), Randy lives for the adrenalin of the matches and the gaze of his remaining fans. But after a heart attack in the ring, his doctor tells him he must give up wrestling for good, or die. Faced with this turning point, Randy tries to reconnect with his daughter and begins a fragile relationship with Cassidy (played by Marisa Tomei), an aging stripper. However, the irresistible desire to return to the ring and relive his glory days threatens to jeopardize his efforts at reconciliation.
The Wrestler is aimed at audiences who enjoy intense, realistic dramas, such as Rocky or Million Dollar Baby, in which we follow the inner and physical struggles of endearing characters. Mickey Rourke 's heartbreakingly sincere portrayal of a man who, despite the ravages of time and his career, is unable to detach himself from what has defined him for so many years. Darren Aronofsky, known for his ability to explore human obsessions and torments, offers here a raw, unadorned film in which every fight - in and out of the ring - seems a matter of life and death.
The strength of The Wrestler lies in its ability to show what goes on behind the scenes of an often idealized sport, while dealing with universal themes such as aging, isolation and the search for redemption. Marisa Tomei, in the role of Cassidy, brings another emotional dimension to the film, as her character, like Randy, grapples with the limits society imposes on those aging in physical occupations.
Available on Max from September 1, 2024, The Wrestler is a poignant drama that reveals the talent of Mickey Rourke in one of the most striking roles of his career. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film plunges into the emotional depths of a man confronted with his past choices and the irresistible attraction of his passion for wrestling. A powerful and moving work that will delight fans of introspective narratives and outstanding acting performances.
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