Unstoppable (2024)
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A wrestler born without a leg overcomes societal prejudice and physical challenges to become an NCAA Division I champion.
The story
Anthony Robles, born without a right leg, grows up in Mesa, Arizona, raised by his mother, Judy Robles. Despite societal prejudice and physical challenges, Anthony develops a resilient spirit. In high school, he discovers a passion for wrestling and joins the school team. Although initially doubted by coaches and teammates, he becomes a formidable competitor through determination and relentless training. After high school, Anthony plans to wrestle at the collegiate level. He receives a scholarship offer from Drexel University but chooses to attend Arizona State University (ASU) to stay closer to his family, joining the team as a walk-on.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Anthony Robles, born without a right leg, grows up in Mesa, Arizona, raised by his mother, Judy Robles. Despite societal prejudice and physical challenges, Anthony develops a resilient spirit. In high school, he discovers a passion for wrestling and joins the school team. Although initially doubted by coaches and teammates, he becomes a formidable competitor through determination and relentless training. After high school, Anthony plans to wrestle at the collegiate level. He receives a scholarship offer from Drexel University but chooses to attend Arizona State University (ASU) to stay closer to his family. He joins the wrestling team as a walk-on, earning a spot despite initial skepticism from his coaches. Balancing the physical demands of Division I wrestling and personal struggles at home, Anthony faces numerous obstacles, including his stepfather's abusive behavior. However, Anthony draws strength from his mother's unwavering support. At ASU, Anthony trains rigorously, refining his skills and improving his performance. Over time, he becomes a key member of the wrestling team, earning recognition for his accomplishments. He qualifies for the NCAA Wrestling Championships, where he competes in the 125-pound weight class. In his senior year, Anthony reaches the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships and faces a highly skilled, top-seeded opponent from the University of Iowa. In a hard-fought match, Anthony demonstrates remarkable technique, focus, and resilience. Against the odds, he defeats his opponent and secures the national championship title. The film concludes by highlighting Anthony's achievements beyond college, as he becomes a motivational speaker and a wrestling coach, using his story to inspire others to overcome their challenges.
- First release year
- 2024
- Runtime (minutes)
- 123
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- William Goldenberg
- Writers
- Eric Champnella · screenplay; Alex Harris · screenplay; John Hindman · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Jharrel Jerome · Anthony Robles; Jennifer Lopez · Judy Robles; Michael Peña · Bobby Williams; Don Cheadle · Shawn Charles; Bobby Cannavale · Rich Robles; Mykelti Williamson · Eddie; Shawn Hatosy · Tom Brands; Parker Sack · Dorian
- Genres
- biographical; sports drama
- Themes
- perseverance; family support; overcoming disability
- Tone and mood
- inspirational; dramatic
- Setting
- Mesa, Arizona and Arizona State University during the early 2010s
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; sports; disability; true story
- Source material / true-story basis
- Unstoppable: From Underdog To Undefeated: How I Became A Champion (2012 book)
- Content notes
- disability
- Reception
- The film received generally favorable reviews on Metacritic and was chosen as a favorite of the year by director Michael Mann. It also saw a modest opening weekend in the UK.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 64 · scale: 100 · review count: 23
- Awards and nominations
- Best Supporting Actress · Golden Globes · 82nd · considered
- Production trivia
- Jharrel Jerome's right leg was digitally removed in post-production.; The film was affected by both the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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