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IMDbPro

American Wrestler: The Wizard

  • 2016
  • PG-13
  • 1h 57m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
2.8K
YOUR RATING
Jon Voight, William Fichtner, Ali Afshar, Lia Marie Johnson, and George Kosturos in American Wrestler: The Wizard (2016)
Trailer for American Wrestler: The Wizard
Play trailer1:41
1 Video
25 Photos
DramaSport

In 1980, a teenage boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility in America, due to the hostage crisis. Determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team.In 1980, a teenage boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility in America, due to the hostage crisis. Determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team.In 1980, a teenage boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility in America, due to the hostage crisis. Determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team.

  • Director
    • Alex Ranarivelo
  • Writers
    • Ali Afshar
    • Brian Rudnick
  • Stars
    • George Kosturos
    • William Fichtner
    • Ali Afshar
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    2.8K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Alex Ranarivelo
    • Writers
      • Ali Afshar
      • Brian Rudnick
    • Stars
      • George Kosturos
      • William Fichtner
      • Ali Afshar
    • 23User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 10 wins total

    Videos1

    American Wrestler: The Wizard
    Trailer 1:41
    American Wrestler: The Wizard

    Photos25

    View Poster
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    + 21
    View Poster

    Top cast99+

    Edit
    George Kosturos
    George Kosturos
    • Ali Jahani
    William Fichtner
    William Fichtner
    • Coach Plyler
    Ali Afshar
    Ali Afshar
    • Hafez Tabad
    Lia Marie Johnson
    Lia Marie Johnson
    • Kristi Larsen
    Gabriel Basso
    Gabriel Basso
    • Jimmy Petersen
    Jon Voight
    Jon Voight
    • Principal Skinner
    Sasha Feldman
    Sasha Feldman
    • Dan 'Toad' Webster
    Chase Mowen
    Chase Mowen
    • Mike Thornhill
    Kevin G. Schmidt
    Kevin G. Schmidt
    • Rowan Knox
    Nicholas Guilak
    Nicholas Guilak
    • Pasha
    Shannon Collis
    Shannon Collis
    • Wendy
    Karina Andrews
    • Miss Larsen
    Tony Panterra
    • Mr. Jahani
    Salome Azizi
    Salome Azizi
    • Mrs. Jahani
    John Asadi
    John Asadi
    • Truck Driver
    Iyad Hajjaj
    Iyad Hajjaj
    • Border Captain
    Alex Lorre
    • Border Guard
    Ashley Michaelsen
    • Suzie Q
    • Director
      • Alex Ranarivelo
    • Writers
      • Ali Afshar
      • Brian Rudnick
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews23

    7.12.8K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    8HumbleMensa

    Inspirational

    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.
    7Sergei_Maruk

    Inspiring and easy to watch

    I have found this movie by accidental click on IMDb and decided to watch it without waiting. I am wrestler too and I am always very interested how actors will handle wrestler roles and how wrestling feeling will be represented in the movie. I was not expecting a lot from this movie and in the end I was not disappointed.

    Movie is based on true events and that is definitely a plus, since I can also learn something about events I am not familiar with. There are a lot of serious topics, like descrimination, bullying in school, relationships between generations and of course, wrestling. Competitions and training are shown quite realistic. There was only 1 moment in whole movie, when Ali's uncle shows one of the basic moves and wrestlers look at him like they have learned something new, but I believe It was made just to keep things more simple.

    In the end It's a well made movie which is not exceptional, but I definitely can recommend it even if you're not a sport lover.
    9davidjonesmd

    Well written and great performances

    As a former high school wrestler in a small town this movie really resonates with me. Also very well written and believable for that period of time. If you like an underdog story and you like wrestling this movie is a 10/10 for you! Full of emotion, and good tense good old fashion high school themed beat downs. Its not that corny in the movie, but its really believable and great action and drama as well.
    7torndownunit

    Very enjoyable

    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.
    10sarafinata

    Exceptional Film

    Wonderful root-for-the-underdog movie. George Kosturos' portrayal of Ali was superior--the entire cast exceptional. The movie is about a newly-arrived teenage immigrant who becomes the brunt of prejudice in the time of the Iranian hostage crisis. It is a touching and inspirational sports story showing that tenacity and strength of character win out over adversity. I cried more than once and left the theater feeling inspired. Good for kids and adults.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Based on the real life of producer Ali Afshar who portrays Ali's uncle in the movie.
    • Goofs
      At the State tournament, the Cage Fighter logo can be seen on the back of Roman Knox's singlet. Cage Fighter apparel was not available in 1980 as it was not founded until 2007.
    • Quotes

      Hafez Tabad: I will admit it would be nice to see a Persian boy beat the Americans. In front of their friends and families, THAT is something I would like to see.

    • Connections
      Followed by American Fighter (2019)
    • Soundtracks
      Working For The Weekend
      Written by Paul Dean, Matthew Prenette, Mike Reno

      Performed by Loverboy

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    FAQ17

    • How long is American Wrestler: The Wizard?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • May 16, 2017 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Persian
      • French
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Amerikan Güreşçisi: Büyücü
    • Filming locations
      • Santa Rosa, California, USA(State Finals Championship)
    • Production companies
      • ESX Entertainment
      • ESX Productions
      • The Wizard Movie
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 57m(117 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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