A drama centered on retired professional wrestler Randy “The Ram” Robinson as he makes his way through the independent circuit, trying to get back in the game for one final showdown with his former rival.
The Wrestler. Quiet yet strong. Poignant yet never over the top. Stirring, nail biting, electric, somber, sad, hopeful, silently glorious, and releasing. Rarely am I moved to the point where I am in quiet repose over a movie for hours. I cried...my husband even shed a tear. I cried for those that we often never think about twice - the supposed losers, the has-beens, those that we so easily judge as being morally a bit bankrupt - we usually turn a blind eye to them not knowing or understanding their joy and pain and why they are on their particular path.
The people were brilliantly brought to life by stunningly brave and lucid performances from the entire cast. And yes, I agree with most of the critics that this is most definitely an Oscar worthy performance by O'Rourke - rarely do you see such pure passion for a role played out so effortlessly. Marissa Tomei was subtle, and brilliant. Rachel Evan Wood was every bit the embittered child-become-adult. The other wrestlers had this almost tortured beauty to them - their love for their sport and one another was quite apparent.
Everything seemed so very real - no one seemed to be acting. You lose yourself in the characters, paralleling themselves to one another while relating them to yourself. The camera work had a good deal to do with inserting the viewer into the lives of the people they learn to care for - everything was so subtle, yet somehow in your face - you can't escape the character - you aren't allowed to let your mind drift off to your laundry, the kids, work.
This movie is beautifully crafted, loved, nurtured, simple yet incredibly profound. You must go see, hear, and understand it. You will walk out feeling as if these people were your people - a bond that may stay with you forever.
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