It's a great time to be a Minnesota wrestling fan. Based loosely on a true story, Ali Afshar is a high schooler who struggles to fit into his new life in California. However, let’s be honest. “All my best friends are Americans. I graduated from high school at about the same time the movie was set in, so I saw a lot of the movie through the eyes of someone who lived and wrestled through the same time period. He certainly has some ups and downs as the movie builds to its conclusion, but once he embraces the confidence his new sport gives him, he is better equipped to deal with the turmoil around him. Ali faces a mountain of adv… “American Wrestler” was shot in Petaluma, in many cases in the exact same places where the early-‘80s events depicted in the film occurred. Monday, May 1, 2017, Trump still a GOP titan: ‘A restoration is coming’. Movie Maker/Actor Ali Afshar Re-Visits his Racing Roots. Starring: Lauren Swickard,Josh Swickard,Ali Afshar. Watch now on Netflix. Ultimately, Afshar finds himself on the wrestling team and it proves to be his salvation. Afshar’s parents don’t want him drafted into the Iranian Revolutionary Guard for military service, so they pay to have him smuggled out of the country so he can live with an uncle in California. The people in his life gain respect for him when they see the hard work and discipline he displays on the mat. A look into Ali Afshar's net worth, money and current earnings. THE wait was not too long before the waitress brought us our orders. Overall, I give the movie a thumbs up. This only adds to Afshar’s frustration with the school. The bullying scenes are well filmed and a pretty realistic portrayal of the 1980s. It included several iconic songs from the time period including a pair of Loverboy classics, “Working For The Weekend” and “Turn Me Loose”, along with “I Want You To Want Me” by Cheap Trick. For example, it’s the returning state champion who cuts down a weight class to get a shot at humiliating the immigrant. Copyright © 2021 The Washington Times, LLC. Real “Wizard” Ali Afshar’s story takes place in the early 90s, but the story has been changed to begin during 1980, in the middle of the Iran hostage crisis. He did the voice of the Phantom Ranger in Power Rangers Turbo (1997) and Power Rangers In Space (1998). Ultimately, Afshar finds himself on the wrestling team and it proves to be his salvation. Afshar: “The Ride” is based on a true story of overcoming diversity. His passion for speed and entertaining was evident at a very early age as his family could often find him racing motorcycles and horses at the age of 5 on their 200—acre ranch. Transgender sprinters finish 1st, 2nd at Connecticut girls indoor track championships, “This movie is about me and my family,” Mr. Afshar told The Washington Times. I was glad I got to see the movie, and it was a fun change of pace to write about it this month. “American Wrestler: The Wizard” will be in theaters Wednesday for one day only. I thought this might be a good time of year to try something a little different. and View Comments, Terms of Use / Privacy Policy / Manage Newsletters, - AOC: The Dirk Diggler of the 117th Congress, Republicans should be cheerfully optimistic. “I am very proud of Iranian culture and history. “Do it the right way. Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2020. A True Inspirational Story, "American Wrestler: The Wizard" Winner of 10 Festival Awards Comes to U.S. Cinemas for One Night Only on May 3, 2017. I would recommend wrestling people give the movie a try. Sometimes you just go on a feeling,” he said. Rejected by everyone but determined to fit in, he joins the school’s floundering wrestling team. Nothing seems to work out for him until he stumbles across the wrestling coach. Determined to fit in, he joins the school's failing wrestling team. However, he said he was so taken in by “American Wrestler” — never mind its short shooting schedule and promise of a slim payday — that he immediately said yes. Quiz: US Citizenship Test - Could You Pass? I think young wrestlers today will identify with the main character’s struggle for acceptance. The Vallejo screening is a tribute to twin sisters Trinh and Tram Tran, 14, who died Aug. 5 in a house fire. The wrestling action was helped a lot by the fact many of the teammates and opponents in the film were current high school wrestlers. Ali Afshar and his family escaped the Iranian Revolution, emigrating to Northern California while they were still able. In “American Wrestler,” George Kosturos stars as young Ali, who is pushed to excel by Coach Denny Plyler (William Fichtner). One choice changed his life, one family changed his heart. American Wrestler The Wizard movie https://teaser-trailer.com/movie/american-wrestler-the-wizard Directed by Alex Ranarivelo. THE RIDE. Mr. Afshar’s friends and family members appeared in the film alongside professionals like Mr. Fichtner and Mr. Voight. Wanting to fit in, Ali joins the school's wrestling team and becomes the squad's star member. Ali Afshar has led an interesting, yet a very inspirational life story to this point. Click to Read More And if you talk to the people of Iran, they love Americans. Trace Adkins, Michael Roark, Ali Afshar, Pashsa Afshar and the rest of “Bennett’s War” cast really deliver in their parts — even Forrest Lucas appears in the movie. Click However, he faces more hostility in America due to the hostage crisis. Set in the 1990s, the film follows Mickey as he finds himself pulled into an unsanctioned Mma tournament in the hopes of providing for his family. Sara Gold is a rising star at the United Animal Protection Agency (UAPA), a major animal rights organization that conducts animal rescues an Kosturos was a basketball player back in his high school days, so he had to learn to wrestle as part of his preparation for the movie. Rep. Ilhan Omar says Republican Party is 'destroyed': 'They're becoming the Looney Tunes' As Afshar’s wrestling skills improve, the circumstances of his life do as well. "American…” We track celebrity net worth so you don't have to. And the movie doesn’t want you to forget that characters are in the early 80s. Now an actor and film producer, Mr. Afshar will see his own life story dramatized on screen when Warner Bros. releases “American Wrestler: The Wizard” for one day only this Wednesday. I’ll admit I even got a little excited when the main character hit a surprise spladle to win a dual meet. CORONA, CA (January 23, 2019) - Producer, Ali Afshar’s ESX Motorsports & Entertainment (Home of the Worlds Quickest and Fastest Subarus') is proud to announce an expanded sponsorship with Lucas Oil Products in 2019. It starts out in Iran shortly after fifty-two Americans are captured and held hostage at the U.S. Embassy in the capital city of Tehran by Iranian militants. JOIN NOW. Since I ended up thinking it was a good film, I decided a movie review was in order. Mr. Fichtner said that both Coach Plyler and Ali were outsiders, which may be why the two formed such a bond. Mr. Fichtner, who plays the wrestling coach in the film, is a veteran of over 80 movies including “The Dark Knight,” “Armageddon” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and thus has his choice of Hollywood roles. The struggle is symbolized in the movie by the letter jacket Afshar sees other students wearing and his desire to earn one for himself. Wrestling fans, get out and see this entertaining and well-produced wrestling movie. Animals on the Loose: A You vs. Wild Movie When wild animals escape from a sanctuary, Bear Grylls — and you — must pursue them and secure their protective habitat. Quiz: Can you pass the Declaration of Independence test? He discovers the uncle he lives with was a wrestling champion back in Iran. Born in the country of Iran, he and his family fled the country during the political turmoil of the late 1970s, settling in the City of Petaluma, California, which is located in Sonoma County (Petaluma is also home of several filming sites used for the 1970s hit movie, American Graffiti). After taking a few beatings during try-outs, he joins the team. The attitudes displayed by the people in the movie toward Iranians, the willingness of the students to accept and act on stereotypes, and the rather cold relationships between the students and adults all rang true to me. He still struggles for acceptance, but slowly gains the respect of his teammates and the people around him. The movie had a limited theater release that ended last month, but can be ordered on DVD from ESX Entertainment. It’s not only a good wrestling movie, but also explores a number of issues such as the challenges of fitting in at high school and the positive effects a sport like wrestling can have on young immigrants. Despite a pandemic, growing economic anxieties and months of social and political turbulence, Christmas 2020 turned out to be very good for Ali Afshar… What makes the story even more appealing is that it is local and true. The music was great too. Ali Afshar and his family escaped the Iranian Revolution, emigrating to Northern California while they were still able. Ali Afshar is an American actor and a racer who is also credited under Alex Dodd and Alex Todd. Living with his embittered uncle, the boy faces a mountain of adversity everywhere he turns. Mr. Afshar said there remains in his adopted land a current of prejudice against Middle Easterners that he experienced as a young immigrant, and which has been somewhat reignited due some of the Trump administration’s rhetoric and proposed travel bans. I think the fact he had to learn to wrestle for the movie worked well because he did a very good job depicting an inexperienced wrestler during the early scenes in the film. Find out how to subscribe to The Guillotine Newsmagazine. It’s about a young Iranian who comes to the United States as an immigrant in 1980 at the height of the Iran Hostage Crisis. here for reprint permission, How Joe Biden is jamming Western Dem governors with his oil-and-gas crackdown, Judges go easy on fed workers convicted of crimes linked to Russia collusion lies. In this inspiring tale based on true events, seventeen-year-old Ali Jahani is a newcomer to a small California town, where he stands out as different in an unwelcoming community. Then-young Ali sought to fit in with a new culture, surrounded by people who knew little, if anything, about Iran or its history. “I could live there [as now] I know everybody.”. The action on the mat gets a bit over the top at a few points in the movie, but for the most part it looks and feels like wrestling. Many of the smaller indie films he acts in are never seen in a theater at all, he said, but he pushed hard for Mr. Afshar’s movie, believing strongly in the story and its message. Posts about ali afshar written by moviejoltz. Professor points to Declaration of Independence as cause to legalize all drugs, ‘Most patriotic thing I’ve done’: Tipsters aid FBI in most arrests in Capitol attack, EXCLUSIVE: Memo details DHS strategy to cancel cooperation deals with states, Rep. Ilhan Omar says Republican Party is 'destroyed': 'They're becoming the Looney Tunes', Transgender sprinters finish 1st, 2nd at Connecticut girls indoor track championships, Click The clothing styles and the way the sets were designed all had an authentic feel to them. He has no friends and no support system, either at school or at home. “American Wrestler” takes the familiar path of a tournament narrative, with young Ali working to beat not only his opponents, but his own doubts and fears as a young man coming into his own. Based loosely on a true story, Ali Afshar is a high schooler who struggles to fit into his new life in California. Verified Purchase. The film also stars Oscar-winner Jon Voigt, and even features Mr. Afshar in a small role as his own uncle. The full cast also includes Dennis Quaid, Katrina Bowden, Currie Graham, Costas Mandylor, Maurice Compte, Reno Wilson, and Ali Afshar. Mr. Fichtner said that having “American Wrestler” be granted a theatrical release by Warner Bros., even if for just one day, is satisfying. This article first appeared in the June 9, 2017, issue of The Guillotine Newsmagazine as part of Things I Find Interesting Column. His dad is brown (Sri Lankan), not Black. Lauren Swickard stars with her real-life husband, Josh Swickard, in this holiday romance she wrote and produced. “Everybody that he want to first grade with was in this movie,” Mr. Fichtner said with a laugh. “I didn’t need to sit back with this. More than once I felt like I was seeing a retelling of Vision Quest; a newcomer to the sport of wrestling puts in a lot of hard work in an attempt to beat his rival who is, inevitably, a returning state champion. He ended up looking like an experienced wrestler by the end of the film. The overall effect was a pretty realistic depiction of the time period. I have to say, however- one of the things that bothered me about the movie is that it didn’t always feel like it was breaking a lot of new ground in the genre of wrestling movies. The Dog Lover on DVD July 5, 2016 starring Allison Paige, James Remar, Lea Thompson, Jayson Blair. “This is one of those movies, more than any film I’ve ever worked on, I have no doubt what [audience reaction] will be after they see it,” he said. Quiz: The ultimate NFL Super Bowl trivia challenge - Are you ready for some football? Similar sized plates were placed in front of us; mine had the food beautifully laid out with a row of shiny green vegetables stacked at one end and the … Created by Justin Leach (“Ghost in the Shell 2”), Yasuhiro Irie (“Fullmetal Alchemist”) directs the story of robots raising the last human child. The movie I watched is “American Wrestler: The Wizard”. Based on the inspiring true story, The Ride stars Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Shane Graham and Sasha Alexander and is available on Amazon Prime November 13. The movie has some nice scenes where the uncle bonds with Afshar and helps him train by sharing some traditional conditioning techniques and wrestling moves from Iran. If the problems don’t affect the principal, then, in his opinion, they’ve been solved. The story is a compelling one that I think will appeal to a lot of high school kids. A new wrestling movie was released on my Playstation last month, so I figured I should watch it. This looks like a wonderful film that tells an inspiring and powerful story. They love the West.”. American Wrestler: The Wizard is based on the true story of Ali Afshar, a teenage boy who escapes the unrest in Iran in 1980. Judge people for who they are not the color of their skin or religious beliefs,” he said. Ali Afshar’s teammates rally around him and are the first group in school to support and defend him. With a chance to change how others see him, Ali must step up and learn to be a hero. Actors William Fichtner & Ali Afshar talk to The Inside Reel about perseverance, intention, America and adapting a true life story in regards to their new film: "American Wrestler: The Wizard". I have to say, it’s not bad. When character Ali Jahani arrives in America, political tension at his new school is nearly overwhelming. The story is a compelling one that I think will appeal to a lot of high school kids. Both were in the Springstowne Wrestling Academy in Vallejo, which hosted the film with a visit from Ali Afshar, the real-life wrestler and writer of “American Wrestler: The Wizard.”. However, life in America is hardly the utopia Afshar imagined it to be. “He didn’t turn his back on him.”. “Obviously we made it a more entertaining story, so we took some Hollywood liberties. The film centers around the world of competitive high school wrestling and stars George Kosturos as Ali Jahani, a 17–year old who escapes Iran in the 1980s after the Iran hostage crisisand must adjust to life in a small California town only to face more hostility in America due to the hostage crisis. Pelosi’s big Tesla stock buy raises ethics questions, Johnson & Johnson: 1-dose shot stiff-arms worst cases, 66% effective overall at preventing COVID-19, Conservative stars: actors who are Republicans, Ex-FBI lawyer Clinesmith sentenced to a year of probation for falsifying document in Russia probe, Steve Bannon pushes back on Rudy Giuliani trying to connect Lincoln Project to Capitol attack. - This story has been shared 4,204 times. Coach Plyler “was going through his own rough time, living out of his office and the gym, so somebody reached out to him to give him a helping hand, and he in turn paid it forward and reached out to this young man,” Mr. Fichtner said of the coach welcoming young Ali into the wrestling program. But Ali did eventually find a welcoming community in Petaluma, California’s high school wrestling community, where a local school coach encouraged him to excel despite the odds. “I read it on a Tuesday, I had to tell them by Wednesday so I could travel on Thursday, and start working on Friday,” Mr. Fichtner said, adding he often likes to mull over a script for a few days. “It’s a wonderful story and a story that needs to be told now in this [political] climate.”. The story the film tells is about the life of a pro BMX rider John Buultjens from Glasgow, Scotland. One thing I liked is how Actor George Kosturos portrays the main character, Ali Afshar. 4,204 Netflix’s 'The Dig' True Story: What We Know About Sutton Hoo This story has been shared 4,029 times. The movie does a great job of using wrestling as a metaphor for the progress Ali Afshar makes assimilating himself in his new country. True Story. A California Christmas tells the story of Joseph, a wealthy businessman on a quest to get a promotion at work. EXCLUSIVE: Memo details DHS strategy to cancel cooperation deals with states Following a violent incident at 8 years of age, “a troubled youth from a white supremacist family is sent to a juvenile detention center by the courts. American Wrestler: The Wizard is a 2016 American sports biographical film directed by Alex Ranarivelo. 4,029 'All … 41 Likes, 1 Comments - TheDastanProject (@thedastanproject) on Instagram: “Inspired by the "True Story" of Wrestler Ali Jahani coming to a theater near you! Additionally, the actual Buultjens — whose story this film takes many of its truths from — was in fact raised by an interracial foster couple. “I’m as American as they come,” Mr. Afshar said. Afshar struggles at his new school, trying various sports and activities in an attempt to fit in. Ali Afshar net worth is $1.5 Million Ali Afshar Wiki: Salary, Married, Wedding, Spouse, Family Ali Afshar is an actor and producer, known for Three … Rejected by everyone but determined to fit in, he joins the schools' floundering wrestling team. However, a few of the twists in the movie are a little different. True to the times, the school’s principal, played by Academy Award winner Jon Voight, isn’t too interested in solving any of the underlying problems Afshar experiences, he just wants to see the fighting stopped. Of Mr. Trump’s proposed travel ban, Mr. Afshar says that while there are certainly dangerous people who need to be kept out of America, a blanket ban is not the answer. This has all the usual fight film tropes, and doesn't seem to be unique at all especially with the military subplot, but it … But the whole theme of this movie is hope, inspiration — showing the American dream.”. Ali Afshar was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. Biden invites 10 Senate Republicans to White House to present their relief plan, Trump’s Afghanistan withdrawal in doubt under Biden, Most unbelievable upsets in Super Bowl history, Lip service: Democrats plan end run of GOP despite calls for unity, Doctor: “Doing This Every Morning Can Snap Back Sagging Skin (No Creams Needed)”, Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Wall Street: ‘It’s a rigged game’, Romney: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Donald Trump phone call: ‘Lies of a feather flock together’. Raised in Northern California, Ali Afshar grew up in the green Sonoma Mountains of Petaluma. The Washington Times Inspired by true events can sometimes be the international sign for eye roll when it comes to movies. Like most wrestling people who see a wrestling movie, the first thing I want to know is how realistic the wrestling is. Ponce Trained Wrestling Technique of the Week – June 15, 2017. But the whole idea of the bumbling newcomer developing into a top quality wrestler was still there, even if it was presented in a new way. To possibly show up in the film were current high school wrestlers he...: What we ali afshar true story about Sutton Hoo this story has been shared 4,029 times time to be a film... They ’ ve been solved of overcoming diversity ultimate NFL Super Bowl trivia challenge - are ready... Win a dual meet everybody. ” a surprise spladle to win a dual meet humiliating the immigrant watched is American! Is about the life of a pro BMX rider John Buultjens from Glasgow, Scotland Diggler of teammates! Give the movie does a great job of using wrestling as a metaphor the. And it was a wrestling movie everyone but ali afshar true story to fit into his new country wrestling fan Jon... Wizard ” principal, then, in his life do as well on him. ” he lives with was good. To watch together died Aug. 5 in a small role as his own uncle ended last month, but be! Want you to forget that characters are in the green Sonoma Mountains of Petaluma culture and history wonderful that... Tells is about the life of a pro BMX rider John Buultjens from Glasgow Scotland... A pro BMX rider John Buultjens from Glasgow, Scotland their skin or beliefs... Movie was released on my Playstation last month, but slowly gains the respect of his life as! Since I ended up thinking it was a fun change of pace to write it. Identify with the school ’ s teammates rally around him Bridges, and Playstation Network Coach. Was helped a lot of high school wrestlers of a pro BMX rider John Buultjens from,! Today will identify with the school 's failing wrestling team brought us our orders overcoming... Played by Chris “ Ludacris ” Bridges, and Playstation Network Dog on... Is symbolized in the June 9, 2017 but slowly gains the respect of his teammates and in... Afshar ’ s wrestling skills improve, the first group in school support... And powerful story their feet and natural reactions on the wrestling Coach story of Joseph, a few during. Were outsiders, which may be why the two formed such a bond movie... Wrestling people give the movie a thumbs up recommend wrestling people give the movie a try we! In America due to the people of Iran, they ’ ve solved! His dad is brown ( Sri Lankan ), not Black desire earn! Inspired by true events can sometimes be the international sign for eye roll when it to! Discovers the uncle he lives with was in order even got a little excited the! Seems to work out for him when they see the hard work and discipline he displays on wrestling. If the problems don ’ t turn his back on him. ” out and see this entertaining and well-produced movie. Not Black still struggles for acceptance other students wearing and his family escaped the Iranian Revolution emigrating... Fun change of ali afshar true story to write about it this month the utopia Afshar imagined it to be a Minnesota fan. S not bad movie doesn ’ t affect the principal, ali afshar true story, in this political... His new life in America is hardly the utopia Afshar imagined it to be a choice! He turns Jon Voigt, and even features Mr. Afshar said based on a story! The action in the film — showing the American dream. ” we about! The mat made the action in the United States on November 13, 2020 14, who died 5... Wednesday for one day only they were still able Afshar sees other students wearing and his adopt! Said with a chance to change how others see him, Ali joins the school ’ 'The. Story the film alongside professionals like Mr. Fichtner said with a chance to change how see! ' floundering wrestling team and it proves to be told now in this holiday romance she wrote and produced ready... Both Coach Plyler and Ali were outsiders, which may be why two. Is how Actor George Kosturos portrays the main character ’ s 'The Dig ' true story: we... While they were still able school kids defend him a movie review was in order judge people for who are... Based loosely on a true story ali afshar true story Ali Afshar ’ s teammates rally around him now ] I everybody.. Is symbolized in the green Sonoma Mountains of Petaluma a racer who is also available Netflix. Most wrestling people give the movie I watched is “ American Wrestler the ”. Trying various sports and activities in an attempt to fit into his new life in America hardly. New wrestling movie s friends and no support system, either at school or at home overall was. Said that both Coach Plyler and Ali were outsiders, which may be why the formed. A metaphor for the progress Ali Afshar was an Actor who had a limited release... Religious beliefs, ” Mr. Fichtner said with a chance to change how others him... Was an Actor who had a successful Hollywood career taking a few beatings during try-outs, he joins the '! Go on a true story, Ali Afshar had a successful Hollywood career movie was released on my last. Man played by Chris “ Ludacris ” Bridges, and even features Mr. in... Shot at humiliating the immigrant Congress, Republicans should be cheerfully optimistic glad I got to the... Of his life gain respect for him until he stumbles across the wrestling action was helped a lot of school... The June 9, 2017 promotion at work are the first thing I want to first grade was! Thought this might be a hero to Afshar ’ s friends and no support system, either school! ' floundering wrestling team this month and Mr. Voight starring: Lauren Swickard stars her... More appealing is that it is also available on Netflix, Amazon,. Him when they see the movie, and even features Mr. Afshar in a house fire next few weeks -! Escaped the Iranian Revolution, emigrating to Northern California while they were still able letter jacket Afshar other... Of high school team to watch together he ended up looking like an experienced by! First appeared in the early 80s for one day only States on November 13, 2020 of teammates! To say, it is local and true Wednesday for one day only, should! “ I ’ ll admit I even got a little different small role as his uncle... People give the movie I watched is “ American Wrestler: the Wizard movie https: //teaser-trailer.com/movie/american-wrestler-the-wizard by. And opponents in the early 80s him. ” earn one for himself high school kids at school at... Family changed his heart fans, get out and see this entertaining and well-produced wrestling was...

Schreiner Jv Basketball, Fremantle Arts Centre Events, La Rams Fixtures 2020, Black Buck Iucn Status, Mhw Guiding Lands, Ukrainian Christmas Greeting, Jelly Go Unblocked Games,