Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman

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.

Variety by Todd McCarthy

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.

Premiere by Jenni Miller

Rourke is getting tons of press and award nominations, but Marisa Tomei kicks ass too. Not only does the one-time Oscar winner look amazing and perform her own pole tricks, but she effectively humanizes what could be just another naked chick in a movie.

Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert

This is Rourke doing astonishing physical acting.

Boston Globe by Ty Burr

The Wrestler is a character study, no more and no less, yet it's open-ended enough to function as many things.

San Francisco Chronicle by Mick LaSalle

The movie has the simplicity and confidence of a Johnny Cash song.

Empire by Dan Jolin

An emotional smackdown. Rourke's never been better, and the change of pace and texture suits Aronofsky perfectly. "The Raging Bull" of wrestling movies? Oh, go on then.

Portland Oregonian by Shawn Levy

It's a raw and honest film, and it keeps its feet firmly on the ground, even as The Ram flies through the air to deliver -- or receive -- another beating in the squared circle of life.

The New Yorker by Anthony Lane

What Rourke offers us, in short, is not just a comeback performance but something much rarer: a rounded, raddled portrait of a good man. Suddenly, there it is again--the charm, the anxious modesty, the never-distant hint of wrath, the teen-age smiles, and all the other virtues of a winner.

Slate by Dana Stevens

The Ram is sometimes--often, even--a manipulative, self-pitying man, but Rourke and Aronofsky paint his portrait with a rigorous dignity.