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Wrestler, The
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MPAA Rating: R
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Entertainment: +4
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Content: -4
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Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood. Sports drama. Written by Robert Siegel. Directed by Darren Aronofsky.
FILM SYNOPSIS: A 1980s-era pro wrestler has become a burnt-out shell of his former self. After he has a heart attack during a small-time match, a doctor tells him he could die if he fights again. Estranged from his daughter, Randy "The Ram" Robinson is a lost man, unneeded by friends and relatives, and growing too old for his “family,” those who pay to see him perform in the ring.
PREVIEW REVIEW: As a film reviewer, I’m astonished by Mickey Rourke’s performance. It is Oscar worthy. So, too is the film. It’s powerful, reminding us how easy it is to get caught up in our pursuits, which can keep us out of touch with family or the spiritual side of our makeup. Alas, like all the rest of the contenders for Oscar recognition, it is held together by R-rated content. In this case, both obscenity and profanity (the misuse of God’s name) make up a great deal of the dialogue. And there is some graphic sexuality involved, as well.
DVD Alternatives:Requiem for a Heavyweight, Rocky, On the Waterfront. Though each of these deals with a “loser” contending with a fate he has brought on himself, their stories are told without the excess of today’s filmmakers. They don’t bombard the viewer with profane language or graphic sexuality.
Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
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Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: Several crude sexual remarks.
Obscene Language: Around 50 obscenities, mostly the f-word.
Profanity: Around 25 profane uses of God’s name or that of His Son’s.
Violence: In the ring violence, with men hit by objects, in one scene a man uses a staple gun on an opponent; later se see the doctor removing the staples; a lot of blood; a barroom brawl; a man has a heart attack. Blood: Lot’s of blood from wrestling matches.
Sex: Several implied sexual situations, plus one graphic sex act between the lead and a groupie; the female lead is a stripper who dances in a bar.
Nudity: We see the female lead topless and in a g-string during several scenes.
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None
Drugs: Lots of drinking and pain pills, plus steroid use, none of which promotes their use, but indicates how destructive they can be to the human body.
Other: None
Running Time: 105 minutes
Intended Audience: Adults
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