Raging Bull
Loosely based on the life and career of boxer Jake LaMotta, Raging Bull focuses on Jake's rage and violence that makes him virtually unstoppable in the ring. The same anger also drives Jake to beat his wife and his brother Joey, and sends Jake down a self-destructive spiral of paranoia and rage.
Member Reviews
DeNiro at his Best! - farquh
The true story of boxer Jake LaMotta.
Just seeing DeNiro's weight gain as he plays LaMotta during various points in his life is enough to warrant a viewing of this film.
However, the pure brilliance of this film comes from the fact that Jake LaMotta himself was a consultant in the film's production. This is a man who clearly admits to at one time doing everything that is depicted in the film. He now sees that what he did was wrong, and probably knew that it was wrong while he was doing it. But only by truly acknowledging his past can he ever hope to move forward. This movie has no doubt impacted the real Jake LaMotta's family members and makes a statement about Jake himself that stretches well beyond what is projected on your TV screen.
This is probably Scorsese's best film too. Directed on the very streets of New York that he himself grew up in, you get an inside look that only he can give.
The fight scenes are choreographed to be over dramatic and over violent. Today's audience's who is used to MMA will no doubt find them tame - but remember, this film was released in 1980. It's attempt was to show what people in the late 1940's would have experienced while watching boxing, which was at that time considered the most brutal of sports.
I can't say enough about this film. I could go on and on. Listen to the DVD commentary track which has the real Jake LaMotta talking about how he used to place bets on himself to take down an opponent during a specific round. Fascinating stuff.In short: a Masterpiece - Luxsara
Not a lot of movies can be truly called Masterpieces. This is one of them. Definetely an American classic. This movie has and will stand the test of time and will be hailed as a cornerstone of Scorcese career alongside Goodfellas and Taxi Driver. The cinematography is simply amazing. Every scene is material for filmaking classes; the B&W treatment gives it an eerie atmosphere that color would not have provided. Beyond the natural weight transformation of DeNiro, his performance is nothing short of brilliant. Pesci delivers a power performance as well; Cathy Moriarty performance is all hues and subtelty. This is not really a boxing movie (even though boxing has never been filmed like this before, showing the raw energy of a combat) but rather the protarit of a man looking for himself and fighting his inner demons... and not being successful at that. A must see for any movie fan.The decline of a man - Spudz
What is refreshing about this film, is the fact that the downfall of Jake is not attributed to either drugs or alcohol, but instead due to his obsessive nature and violence. He believes he is always right, and this pushes the people he loves away.
On a side note, this is the best film I have ever seen Joe Peci act in. He was extraordinary in his honesty, without trying to put too much 'over the top', as I believe he has a tendency to do occasionally.
Member Reviews
Read All...
DeNiro at his Best! - farquh
The true story of boxer Jake LaMotta.
Just seeing DeNiro's weight gain as he plays LaMotta during various points in his life is enough to warrant a viewing of this film.
However, the pure brilliance of this film comes from the fact that Jake ...In short: a Masterpiece - Luxsara
Not a lot of movies can be truly called Masterpieces. This is one of them. Definetely an American classic. This movie has and will stand the test of time and will be hailed as a cornerstone of Scorcese career alongside Goodfellas and Taxi Driver. The cinematography ...The decline of a man - Spudz
What is refreshing about this film, is the fact that the downfall of Jake is not attributed to either drugs or alcohol, but instead due to his obsessive nature and violence. He believes he is always right, and this pushes the people he loves away.
On ...