The Wrestler
Common Sense says
- R
- 2008
- 105 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this critically acclaimed indie drama is a strong, brilliant, fierce film -- for adults only. The acting, direction, and writing are of Oscar caliber, but there's extensive nudity, unflinching violence, drinking, drug use/abuse, and swearing. The film is also moody and complex, depicting the physical and moral consequences of the characters' work as "professionals" in the economy of entertainment.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
The Wrestler
Fine for teens, not so much kids.
Check out my page for other great recommendations.
What's the story?
In THE WRESTLER, Mickey Rourke plays professional wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson, an '80s star who's fallen from grace, reduced to working in a grocery store and taking part in low-rent, low-pay bouts on the weekends. Randy's life is changed when, after a match, he suffers a massive heart attack -- which means the end of his wrestling career. Randy reaches out to his estranged daughter, Stephanie (Evan Rachel Wood), and Cassidy, (Marisa Tomei), a stripper he feels a bond with. But he also feels the pull of the ring as the 20th anniversary of his greatest bout -- with a wrestler known as "The Ayatollah" -- promises both money and glory.
Is it any good?
One of the best American films of 2008, The Wrestler is a brilliant, heartfelt, and unsentimental drama anchored by an incredible performance from Rourke as a washed-up athlete. Rourke's Randy relies on past glories, a part-time job at the grocery store, and massive doses of steroids to keep his bills paid and his career going. But his heart attack changes that, and Randy has to try to channel his charm and need for the spotlight into different areas of life, reaching out to Stephanie and Cassidy instead of playing to the crowd.
The Wrestler sounds intense, and it is, but it's also quite funny, thanks to the script by ex-Onion editor Rob Siegel. "I have two words to say to you, dude," a promoter pitches to Randy in anticipation of the approaching anniversary of his bout with theAyatollah: "Re. Match." Rourke is also charming, showing us a man who not only craves attention but also has a spark that makes people want to watch him, whether it's performing in the ring or dishing out cold cuts. Director Darren Aronofsky's previous films -- Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain -- were all gorgeously shot and impressively smart. But with The Wrestler, he's working in much more emotional territory than he's explored before -- and clearly marking a new phase of his career with a film that combines the style and feel of modern European dramas with very American cultural concerns. Tough, rough, and impressive, The Wrestler's wounds and bruises hide a mighty heart.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk aboutthe nature of the "fake" violence depicted in the wrestling matches -- is it really "fake" if people are bleeding?
What's the appeal of professional wrestling to begin with? What makes it compelling entertainment?
Is it as popular now as it was in the '80s? Why or why not?
Discuss the similarities between Randy and Cassidy, who both make low pay selling their bodies (he wrestles, she strips). What effect does that have on their self-esteem? Their relationships with others?
Movie details
- In theaters: December 17, 2008
- On DVD or streaming: April 21, 2009
- Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Mickey Rourke
- Director: Darren Aronofsky
- Studio: Fox Searchlight
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 105 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.