JFF Theater: MY DAD IS A HEEL WRESTLER Review: A Brilliant, Heartwarming Puroresu Drama
To fully appreciate My Dad is a Heel Wrestler, one must first understand the gravity of its leading man. This film marked the acting debut of legendary New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) megastar Hiroshi Tanahashi. Known globally to wrestling fans as “The Ace of the Universe,” Tanahashi is widely credited with single-handedly carrying NJPW out of its dark ages in the 2000s and restoring it to global prominence. A record-setting 8-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, his legendary in-ring storytelling, explosive style, and charismatic babyface energy make him a true icon. It is precisely Tanahashi’s unparalleled ring psychology and standard of excellence that elevate this film, ensuring that every single wrestling sequence is incredibly well-polished, fluid, and brilliantly executed. The story cleverly flips Tanahashi’s real-world “hero” persona on its head. The plot revolves around a professional wrestler with a glorious past who, after a career-altering knee injury, has no choice but to reinvent […]