Genre: Drama
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Actors: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Ernest Miller, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Tommy Farra
Runtime: 109 min
Budget: $6 million
Year: 2008
Twenty years ago Randy 'The Ram' Robinson was not just a successful wrestler, he was a real star of the eighties with legions of fans who worshipped him. But now he is past his prime, living alone in a trailer, working part-time in a supermarket and wrestling on the weekends for various independent promotions. After one of the shows, a promoter proposes him a 20th anniversary rematch with his most notable opponent, the Ayatollah. Randy agrees to the rematch, hoping this high-profile match will increase his reputation. But suddenly, after a wrestling match, Randy has a heart attack in the dressing room. As he faces serious health problems that may end not only his wrestling career but his life in general, The Ram attempts to come to terms with his life outside the ring: by working full time at the grocery store, trying to reconcile with the daughter he abandoned in childhood and forming a closer bond with a stripper he has romantic feelings for. But the former star can't live the ordinary life. The only place he belongs to is in the ring.
Wrestling belongs to special sports. Fights are imitated here, but blood, sweat ant tears are real. So does the film. This movie works because it feels so real. All the characters are so natural in their roles that you'll feel drawn into this world of wrestling. For those who don't know - the other wrestlers in the film are all played by professionals, and they do a great job with the acting. The film respects them and their world, and demands the same from the audience. Be sure, after watchig you'll understand why so many fans love "fake" wrestling.
Wrestling is the only thing Randy is good at, and he lives for those precious moments when he stands on the top turnbuckle and his adoring fans cheer his name - but once he steps out of the ring his life is a mess. We do always feel pity for an ordinary man having problems, but it's just imposible to stand sufferings of strong, kind-hearted, trustful Ram. It's a knock-out.
The wrestling part of the movie can be put aside as a back story. The film does a great job of showing us how important and interesting the fate of a single is. The fatherhood subject is given a lot of attention. When you are on the top of the world being an idol for millions of fans, it's simple to forget about the daughter in need lacking your love and care. But once you get you are alone in this hostile world. Fans worship only those on the top, the fallen star is of no interest for them. Randy's fatherhood negligence has no exuces. May be it is the principal message of the movie: love you family!
The movie is dramatic, tear-jerking and tough. It's definitely a must-see. It's a film about a man who wins receiving nothing.
07.09.2010 
