The Wrestler
There is always something enormously appealing about films that deal with boxers, wrestlers, or fighters. The real world as they say is not easy to live. It takes a real fighter in spirit to be successful in it, and achieve the goals that you set. As obvious as it may be to say that it takes a fighter to do well in the real world, the challenges and problems we face are very strong opponents; and it is a lot easier to fall and fail than it is to keep fighting to overcome them. However, as the character of Randy “The Ram” Robinson proved in this film, if you love what you do, you can overcome and be great.
The Wrestler brings its own skills and abilities to the ring as a film whose story primarily focuses on the wrestling aspect of Randy’s life. With large, successful wrestling entertainment industries such as the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), there are many who have long criticized its form of entertainment as being fake. After watching this film, everyone can judge for themselves as to how real professional wrestling is. For an intense sport like wrestling to have such a physical and emotional impact on your body, perhaps the most difficult task is knowing when to call it quits. Mentally, we would all love to continue to do what enjoy beyond our physical capabilities, but it is a matter of listening to one’s heart.
Would you sacrifice your life for doing what you love? It is a very deep question that can get mixed answers, but if you love what you do for work, then you are not working at all. It becomes a big part of your life. The real question is how much of your time, love, and energy would you devote to your career as opposed to other aspects of your life? Given the fortune that professional athletes make, you would think that they could do that for as long as they like. There comes a time when you are forced to make the ultimate decision: should I retire? When does your relentless dedication to your work get in the way of other aspects of your life that you might have taken for granted? It is a lifestyle that perhaps many can relate to, but wish they could change.
There is a lot of exposed and hidden talents, but it is always best to put it to good use. The problem is facing the reality that sometimes other aspects of our lives can suddenly become priorities when we least expect them to. It is very easy to say that we quit, which is why it is of upmost importance to expect unexpected turn of events. The Wrestler benefits from a very deep and critical look at the life inside of professional wrestling. Just from the outside looking in, many can say that it is not their cup of tea to put their life on the line for the purposes of entertainment and power. There is always something that motivates us and challenges us. It depends on how much you are willing to do or risk to determine just how successful you can be. Wrestling has a very physical and emotional impact on the body, and it has the ability to take over your life because you can find yourself addicted to it. That addiction can drive you insane, but if you truly love what you do, it makes the burden of life’s struggles easier to bare.
Unlike many other films of its genre, this is a film that presents an incredible story, and it is very dedicated to telling that story. Where other films may explicitly dedicate most of their efforts to certain aspects of them, they forget just how important a touching and gripping story can be. Arguments can be made over the pace, but if there is a great story, then the film is certainly a must-see. In what many describe as a comeback, Mickey Rourke is gracious and powerful in his portrayal of Randy “The Ram” Robinson. His great performance is enough to carry the strength of this film, but he is joined by great supporting roles by Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. If you are lacking the fighting spirit to accomplish your dreams, watch this film to get your confidence back and find the fighter in you to succeed.