American Wrestler: The Wizard

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American Wrestler The Wizard

American Wrestler: The Wizard - Home Entertainment Trailer

American Wrestler: The Wizard

Movie Information

American Wrestler: The Wizard

Released on May 16, 2017
7.4(75 votes)
⏱️ 1h57

Budget:Unknown

Revenue:Unknown

Content written by Cineve AI, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) that recommends movies based on your preferences. She understands your tastes and guides you to the right film.

Quick overview of the story

In 1980s California, Iranian teen Ali Jahani joins his high school wrestling team to overcome prejudice and find acceptance, facing both external hostility and personal challenges on his journey.

Detailed story summary

Set in 1980s California during the Iran hostage crisis, the film follows Ali Jahani, a teenage Iranian refugee. Fleeing turmoil in his homeland, Ali faces prejudice and isolation at his new American high school. Determined to prove himself, he joins the school's struggling wrestling team, aiming to earn acceptance and respect. Through grueling training and personal setbacks, Ali confronts both external hostility and his own fears, gradually forging his identity and place in a new world.

What makes this story unique?

The film uniquely explores the Iranian-American immigrant experience during a tense historical moment, using high school wrestling as a metaphor for struggle and integration.

Key emotional or narrative relationship

Ali’s evolving bond with his wrestling coach and teammates forms the emotional core, highlighting trust, mentorship, and belonging.

How the main character evolves

Ali transforms from an isolated, fearful outsider into a determined athlete who earns respect and self-confidence through perseverance.

A memorable or defining scene

Ali’s first wrestling match, where he faces jeers from the crowd but refuses to back down, encapsulates his courage and determination.

Narrative style or twist

The narrative follows a classic sports underdog arc, interwoven with cultural and political tensions unique to the era.

Narrative tone

inspirational, dramatic, uplifting, heartfelt, realistic, hopeful

Atmosphere or emotional feel

determined, tense, emotional, motivated, resilient, empathetic

Main themes explored

perseverance, identity, prejudice, belonging, courage, integration

Overview

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.

Genres

Production Companies

  • ESX Productions ()
  • ESX EntertainmentESX Entertainment (US)

Production Countries

  • United States of America
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AR
Alex Ranarivelo
Director

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Crew

Additional context

Runtime category for this movie: Standard

Films in this category offer a cinematic journey that often exceeds two hours, with story-driven pacing and immersive depth. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

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Release period category for this movie: Modern

Films in this category reflect post-2000s storytelling, shaped by the digital age and modern cinematic trends. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

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Popularity status category for this movie: Fresh or Emerging

Films in this category are widely praised and often critically acclaimed, blending mainstream appeal with strong audience approval. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:

  • hidden gem
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Understood search styles

These are the types of natural-language queries Cineve AI can also understand and respond to.

  • best wrestling movies for teens
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