First I have to admit I am prejudiced by it mainly being filmed in and around my hometown of Rahway, NJ. They used my American Legion Post as well. My son when deployed in Bahrain almost jumped off the ouch yelling, "That's my Dad's post!" But let's get on point. I am a sucker for convincing performances. I will watch a film over and over and over again, almost mesmerized with conincing performances which Rourke and Tomei displayed. Everyone else, except for thedaighte I could identify with and I could also picture individuals I know on these roles. Great job! Very nice work.

What I liked about this movie is the emotional take.A wrestler can't fight any more due to medical restrictions. As a result of which he tries to connect a women and his daughter. By not being in main stream of connectivity with his daughter as well as a woman where he usually used to spend his night things are not in favor of the wrestler. He tries to turn the situation but fails to show his love for his daughter and fails in front of bar women for his security reason.He becomes so much troubled and upset that he continues to choose wrestling over such life, despite of medical restrictions. Finally he dies!

cold and bitter and touching. a lesson of life, at the first sigh. the come back of Mickey Rourke. and example of admirable simplicity for describe the profound solitude. one of films who has the desire to expose slices from every day reality. nothing special. only a spectacular career, the memories of success, the meaning of life, the new beginning and a meet who could save the errors from the past. The Wrestler is one of films about ordinary things who remains, long time after you see, a kind of wound. because a part of Randy Robinson is from us. the frustrations, the desire to resurrect the golden ages, the need to replace the pieces of reality as a form of revenge against himself.and the love. a kind of poem of small things. this is The Wrestler.

If I know Rourke thanks to Iron man 2, and I've seen his well played act on Sin City. But when i saw this movie its beyond Rourke i know. One of great actor'skill is when he can handle multiple layer of character naturally, at the same time. First, Rourke a wrestler(1), not a fighter, which is already need to perform as entertainer(2). Also, he's a washed up wrestler(3), which added more acting burden to struggle like well being wrestler. All those energy, pain, doubt, brought up nicely. Great realism. This way, at first minutes he's done great job to made us believe that he's a genuine wrestler. At least experienced one.Then, common belief of good wrestler is being nice guys in real life. We were relieved as he played with kids and gives signature to some folks. Another realism, we know this guy. Until the moment of drama comes, something we rarely paid attention before from fun- friendly-macho guys; his struggle in real life with job, her daughter, and love life. All those images that have built up melting into loving father figure and lonely guy. We fall for him, befriend with him, and weep with him. Rourke's first tears becomes priceless altogether. It is probably due the nature of his character, but i can't see it being done by some mere buffed up actor. Its a wonder, really, why Rouke didn't received Oscar at the time.