The Wrestler Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: The Wrestler
| Movie | The Wrestler |
| Release Year | 1985 |
| Director | Matti Ijäs |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / Fantasy / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 86 minutes (1h 26m) |
| Language | FI |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Wrestler (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Wrestler are led by Esko Hukkanen . The supporting cast, including Esko Pesonen and Kalevi Kahra , 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 Comedy 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 Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Wrestler
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, The Wrestler is a Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, TV Movie film directed by Matti Ijäs, written by Matti Ijäs. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Esko Hukkanen as Painija.
Ending Explained: The Wrestler
The Wrestler Ending Explained: An ageing wrestler and circus strongman is put in an institution located somewhere in a world of its own. Directed by Matti Ijäs, this 1985 comedy film stars Esko Hukkanen (Painija), alongside Esko Pesonen as Kuikkaniemi, Kalevi Kahra as Pesonen, Allan Koskinen as Jalaton. Rated 5.9/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Wrestler?
An ageing wrestler and circus strongman is put in an institution located somewhere in a world of its own.
How Does Esko Hukkanen (Painija)'s Story End?
- Esko Hukkanen: Esko Hukkanen's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Esko Pesonen (Kuikkaniemi): Esko Pesonen's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Kalevi Kahra (Pesonen): Kalevi Kahra'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 Esko Hukkanen'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 comedy, drama, fantasy, tv movie film directed by Matti Ijäs and starring Esko Hukkanen 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 Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 86 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Wrestler Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 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 (1985) is 86 minutes (1h 26m). Directed by Matti Ijäs, the film runs for 86 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Wrestler is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wrestler worth watching?
The Wrestler is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 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 (1985)?
The runtime of The Wrestler (1985) is 86 minutes (approximately 1h 26m).
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.
