American Wrestler: The Wizard (2016)

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 (story by), Brian Rudnick (story by)

Stars:

George Kosturos, William Fichtner, Ali Afshar

10 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George Kosturos	...	Ali Jahani
William Fichtner	...	Coach Plyler
Ali Afshar	...	Hafez Tabad
Lia Marie Johnson	...	Kristi Larsen
Gabriel Basso	...	Jimmy Petersen
Jon Voight	...	Principal Skinner
Sasha Feldman	...	Dan 'Toad' Webster
Chase Mowen	...	Mike Thornhill
Kevin G. Schmidt	...	Rowan Knox
Nicholas Guilak	...	Pasha
Shannon Collis	...	Wendy
Karina Andrews	...	Miss Larsen
Tony Panterra	...	Mr. Jahani
Salome Azizi	...	Mrs. Jahani
John Asadi	...	Truck Driver

Storyline

In this inspiring tale based on true events, 17-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community. Living with his embittered uncle, the boy faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns. Rejected by everyone but determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team. With a chance to change how others see him, Ali must step up and learn to be a hero.

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Plot Keywords:

truck | knocking | leaving the country | checkpoint | farsi | 

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Genres:

Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, language and thematic material

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Persian French Spanish

Release Date:

16 May 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Wizard

Filming Locations:

Petaluma, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$0, 3 May 2017, Limited Release

Company Credits

Production Co:

ESX Entertainment, ESX Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed in part at Casa Grande High School. As the film portrayed the school in a negative light, the principal did not allow the name to be used.

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Goofs

Whereas Sectionals, Districts or Regionals leading up to State Tournaments may be held in high school gyms, State Tournaments are large scale events held in coliseums, with multiple mats running simultaneously - not just one. Just about every seat would be filled, especially those nearest the action. You would not have a championship final where, looking past the boys on the mat, you'd see row upon row of empty seats.

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Quotes

Rowan Knox: Do you know who I am?
Ali: Yeah, I know who you are.
Rowan Knox: I'm suckin' down to 126. I mean, you can imagine what I'm putting my body through to cut that weight; so, out of respect for the process, if you're afraid to fight me, tell me now.
Ali: I'm not afraid of you.
[pause]
Rowan Knox: You have to say that. I get it. I have a full ride to Stanford, if I want.
Ali: Lucky you.
Rowan Knox: I would say it's a bit more than luck. You see, when I want something, I don't stop until I get it.
Ali: Good work ethic.
Rowan Knox: You know what I really want?
[...]

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Connections

Followed by American Fighter

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Soundtracks

Rise
Written by Jamie Christopherson and Shani Rigsbee
Performed by Andy Madadian and Shani Rigsbee

User Reviews

You've seen this before, but still good

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.