Raging Bull - 1980

Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro) is an amazing boxer, that win or lose, dominates every person he faces. But he has one problem, the way he is in the ring, is similar to the way he treats his family at home, abusive and terrible. LaMotta no doubt wants to be loved by his family, but his unnecessary jealousy and bad habits always seem to come between them. He is a star in the ring, but in real life with his family, things are not going to wind up going his way.


Though Martin Scorsese is my all time favorite director, a few weeks ago I was really surprised to actually notice that I had never seen Raging Bull before. Usually when I think of him my favorite films are GoodFellas, The Departed, and Taxi Driver, in that order. However, for me, after seeing Raging Bull the impossible happened. It was by far in my opinion better than anything Scorsese had ever made. It struck me emotionally different than any film I have ever seen, and for that I have to give it a thumbs up, Raging Bull is one of the most well made films watched by me.


To start with, many may disagree with this, but Robert De Niro gives his career performance in this film. The Godfather Part II and The Deer Hunter are great, but this was true talented acting. He is in fact a bit scary in this role, especially considering his character, which was also developed brilliantly. Joe Pesci was fantastic. I honestly do not think he was that much better in GoodFellas. All of the supporting cast was good, and that is one of the things that made Raging Bull work as it did. I hate it when I watch a film with towering potential, but is destroyed but its terrible acting, and thankfully, that is not the case here.


After watching this film it became official to me, Martin Scorsese is my favorite director. From what I have seen of the year 1980, it is wrong that he did not win best director. Scorsese's direction is incredible, scene to scene as the film is developed I was in shock at the job and vision Scorsese had for Raging Bull. Truly an amazing job on his part, not to mention the brilliant screenplay by Paul Schrader.


Overall, Raging Bull is easily one of my favorite films in all of cinema. If you love movies, and have not seen this, go out, buy it and watch it right now. It is a rare treat and most writers and film makers will never be able to achieve such greatness.

Rating: 10/10