THE WRESTLER

The Wrestler is director Darren Aronofsky's remarkable film about a down-on-his-luck wrestler, who is played by Mickey Rourke. The film has already won Rourke a Golden Globe award for Best Actor, and made him an early favorite to take home an Oscar.

This has led to predictions and speculation about his chances within the blogosphere. Since Rourke's performance also represents an improbable comeback, it has prompted bloggers to write at length about his story.

In a role somewhat paralleling his real-life story as an actor, Rourke's portrayal of Randy "the Ram" Robinson, a beaten-up, broken-down shell of a former pro-wrestling great trying to recapture the glory days, is both haunting and heartbreaking. The film has also earned an Oscar nomination for Marissa Tomei, as an aging stripper who has likewise passed her expiration date. Bruce Springsteen took home a Golden Globe for the theme song, also called "The Wrestler."

Besides all of the action and realism both backstage and in the ring that lends this film its wrestling legitimacy, the film tells a heartbreaking story about what happens when society discards its heroes. Several scenes will likely to have you reaching for your hanky.

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