The Wrestler (2008) Critic Reviews
Metascore®:
Based upon 15 Critic ReviewsHighest Rated
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The Wrestler is a character study, no more and no less, yet it's open-ended enough to function as many things.Read the full review
This is Rourke doing astonishing physical acting.Read the full review
The movie has the simplicity and confidence of a Johnny Cash song.Read the full review
Rourke creates a galvanizing, humorous, deeply moving portrait that instantly takes its place among the great, iconic screen performances. An elemental story simply and brilliantly told, Darren Aronofsky's fourth feature is a winner from every possible angle.Read the full review
The Wrestler is like "Rocky" made by the Scorsese of "Mean Streets." It's the rare movie fairy tale that's also a bravura work of art.Read the full review
Like its hero, the movie has a blunt, exuberant honesty, pulling off even its false moves with conviction and flair.Read the full review
The Ram is sometimes--often, even--a manipulative, self-pitying man, but Rourke and Aronofsky paint his portrait with a rigorous dignity.Read the full review
You watch The Wrestler (with a superb title song from Bruce Springsteen) in a state of pure exhilaration. A great actor in a great movie will do that to you.Read the full review
Aronofsky's directorial style is simple and spare. There are no flourishes or attempts to convince us that he is a master of his craft.Read the full review
Mostly though, the movie feeds off Rourke, who plays a genuinely decent guy who never lets his dawning self-awareness interfere with his responsibility to give the fans a show.Read the full review
