American Wrestler: The Wizard

The true story of a boy who escapes Iran to live with his uncle in California. Facing strife at home, school, and the community at large as the Iran hostage crisis was happening at the time; the young man attempts to fit in by joining a sports team. Eventually he lands on the wrestling team. Equal parts heartwarming and gut wrenching this movie is not to be missed. Worth the rental. Two thumbs up!

American Wrestler is yet another underdog sports movie, based on a true story. Ali Jahani escapes from Iran during the Iranian revolution and comes to a hostile USA, as racism against Iranians is rising due to the hostage crisis. Fitting in at a new school is difficult, he tries out for a team to fit in, sticks at wrestling and starts winning, gaining respect and being accepted.

So, what makes this one worth watching? The lead performance by George Kosturos is extremely strong, portraying the different emotions Ali is feeling as he's making his way through. Jon Voight and William Fichtner also bring their characters to life and mostly well rounded.

The script is also a strength for the most part. While there are some cringeworthy scenes (the school bully is overdone), in general the script keeps moving and is engaging.

As noted, however, there are some down sides in some of the side characters, and in how believable some of the events are. The movie is clearly based on a true story, not a true story in itself.

It's not a movie that has to be witnessed, but it shouldn't be ignored either.

Good acting, great story (based on actual events.) Good casting.

Intends to deliver that "feel good" buzz and mostly succeeds.

And, let us not forget, in this somewhat upside down world there are not enough of these kinds of movies being made.

On the other side of ledger, there are problems here and there with the script and the direction.

Script has what they call "false notes." Initially for example, Ali's uncle is painted as a fairly nasty character -- this for no reason I could discern -- then valuable script time is wasted trying to "rehabilitate" him in the eyes of the audience.

Whaa?

Same with the half-hearted attempt to make this less a sports film and more a social commentary. Also, out of nowhere, literally given less than 60 seconds of screen time, is the notion that the secret of Ali's technique is some sort of lost Perian MMA skill that goes back to Ghenghis Khan. (Caught my interest, would have liked to know more.)

Whaa?

Similar issues with the direction which has "odd beats." If you watch a lot of films, the timing will seem wrong to you on a subliminal level. Too much time, for example, on social issues with minimal time on the actual training. Again, if this is a sports film (and neither the writer or director seem entirely convinced) this could have been handled better.

Recommendation? Yeah, catch it if you can.

There are some reviews really ripping on the details on the film, and it is definitely a little formulaic. But it's got a very good cast, some good performances, a good soundtrack, and it overall an enjoyable movie. Some of the elements they try to incorporate to make it a little different than other sports films night not all work, but for a small film that I would guess didn't have a huge budget I think they did a very good job.

This is an inspirational film and I am glad that I watched it. I will ask my kids to watch it, for several reasons not to go into on imdb - but it is well done for a movie of its type. A good showing from the characters and a "real" story. I liked it.