The Wrestler (Pehlivan) 40 years old

With good guidance from director Zeki Okten but an uninspired script, this story of a brother and his Turkish family influenced by old and new traditions is somewhat uneven. Bilal (Tarik Akan) is devoted to the art of wrestling, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both champions at the sport. Aside from his interest in wrestling for its own sake, Bilal has a chance to win a provincial wrestling contest and thereby bring home a considerable cash award for his efforts -- and so his days are spent in training for the event. Meanwhile, his brother and sister-in-law and their daughter have come back home after living in Germany for 12 years and are finding the adjustment to their cultural roots a bumpy ride. As long scenes of well-oiled and slippery wrestlers in action prepare viewers for Bilal's big event, the struggle of these men is reminiscent of the struggle of Bilal's family to come to grips with a world they may not be able to accept unconditionally.

Credits

The Wrestler Cast

Name Character
Tarık Akan He was 34, 66 years old when he died as Bilal
Erol Günaydın He was 50, 79 years old when he died as Mestan
Yaman Okay He was 33, 42 years old when he died as Tevfik
Yavuzer Çetinkaya He was 35, 44 years old when he died
Meral Orhonsay She was 33, now 73 years old

The Wrestler Crew

Name Department
Zeki Ökten as Director. He was 42 (68) years old when He died Directing
The Wrestler (40 years)

  • Release day: Monday, January 02, 1984
  • Runtime: 98 minutes