The Wrestler Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Wrestler
| Movie | The Wrestler |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Director | Paul Verhoeven |
| Genre | Drama / Comedy |
| Runtime | 20 minutes (20m) |
| Language | NL |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wrestler (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Wrestler are led by Jon Bluming . The supporting cast, including Bernhard Droog and Peter Faber , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Wrestler does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Wrestler has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Wrestler
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1971, The Wrestler is a Drama, Comedy film directed by Paul Verhoeven, written by Kees Holierhoek. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jon Bluming.
Ending Explained: The Wrestler
The Wrestler Ending Explained: A worried father tries to end the relationship that his son Andries has with the wife of a wrestler. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this 1971 drama film stars Jon Bluming, alongside Bernhard Droog, Peter Faber, Marielle Fiolet. Rated 5.7/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Wrestler?
A worried father tries to end the relationship that his son Andries has with the wife of a wrestler.
How Does Jon Bluming's Story End?
- Jon Bluming: Jon Bluming's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Bernhard Droog: Bernhard Droog's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Peter Faber: Peter Faber's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Wrestler Mean?
The ending of The Wrestler brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Jon Bluming's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Wrestler Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Wrestler Based on a True Story?
No, The Wrestler is a work of fiction. While the drama, comedy film directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Jon Bluming may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Wrestler?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 20 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Wrestler Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about The Wrestler age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Wrestler (1971) is 20 minutes (20m). Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film runs for 20 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Wrestler is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wrestler worth watching?
The Wrestler is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Wrestler parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Wrestler identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Wrestler (1971)?
The runtime of The Wrestler (1971) is 20 minutes (approximately 0h 20m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.


