FROM paranoid mathematical geniuses to tragic junkies, director Darren Aronofsky has always had an affinity for characters who are on the edge.

His fourth film, The Wrestler, is no exception... yet curiously this is perhaps the filmmaker’s first foray into the mainstream.

With an astonishing emotional and physical performance from Mickey Rourke, this is the story of Randy ‘The Ram’, an aging down-and-out wrestler.

Following an almost fatal heart attack after one of his bouts, he has to come to terms with the end of his career and address the issues that have haunted him for most of his life.

An instant classic, the film paints a vivid picture of how what we do defines us.

There are also some powerful parallels as Randy is in love with an aging stripper who is facing similar issues regarding her changing form.

And when Randy attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, expect tears to stream down your face.

It is simply an amazing performance by Rourke as a truly tragic figure and talk about the actor’s career revival look to be truly justified.

A former boxer and as someone who’s been chewed up and spat out by the Hollywood machine, there’s also a touch of the autobiographical about this.

But wrestling fans, fear not. You can expect some grisly wrestling scenes as well.

It may be fake, but Aronofsky shows what lengths these performers go to entertain the chanting crowds.

After the matches, seeing the camaraderie between those same men who have been pummelling each other is incredible.

Deep, insightful and emotional, The Wrestler will have you in a chokehold for its full two-hour duration.

9/10 An instant classic