IMDb RATING
7.1/10
2.8K
YOUR RATING
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.
- Awards
- 10 wins total
Featured reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the real life of producer Ali Afshar who portrays Ali's uncle in the movie.
- GoofsAt 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.
- ConnectionsFollowed by American Fighter (2019)
- SoundtracksWorking For The Weekend
Written by Paul Dean, Matthew Prenette, Mike Reno
Performed by Loverboy
- How long is American Wrestler: The Wizard?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Amerikan Güreşçisi: Büyücü
- Filming locations
- Santa Rosa, California, USA(State Finals Championship)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 1h 57m(117 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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