Mickey Rourke plays the title role with this performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His co-star Marisa Tomei was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress. As Randy "The Ram" Robinson, Rourke is a once-on-top pro wrestler whose been reduced to working odd jobs and wrestling at shabby venues on weekends. Despite his failing health, Robinson attempts to find romance with a stripper (played by Tomei) while also reaching out to his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood).