One of the best films ever made!

Rating: Null/10 (24 July 2008)

I just saw Raging Bull, and to say the least, it is a revolutionary film. I always heard buzz about this film, and I have not seen many Martin Scorsese films, but this is a true American movie! The screenplay is a true force to be reckoned with. It reminded me a bit of other epic films like Citizen Kane and There Will be Blood, the way the main character plays out is similar, but this film is different, as in the character Jake La Motta is based on a real person. Martin Scorsese really commanded the screen. There are truly some amazingly written and acted scenes. This is a boxing film, but a very much human film too. Robert De Niro really gave his best, and it turns out to be one of the best performances I have ever seen! His performance ranges from his bad times, to his guilt, to his madness and anger. It is all played out perfectly. Joey La Motta, his brother, played brilliantly by Joe Pesci is also a strong supporting character, who follows Jake through a lot. Another strong character is Vicky Thailer, played by the back then unknown Cathy Moriarty. What these three characters go through is amazing. This film is a joy to watch too. Certain scenes, some sensuality between Jake and Vicky are not really sexually graphic, yet have so much pleasure in them, the way Scorsese teases us. Scenes like where Jake suspects Vicky and Joey together, and in their fight all of a sudden are so well done and acted, I could not stare away.
This film is from the 1940s through 1950s, so there are a lot of gorgeous set designs. The costumes, the cinematography are all beautiful too look at. The decision to make this film black and white really helps. There are amazing camera shots, amazing techniques that are used, and the sound in the boxing scenes is perfection.
This film is a classic for a reason. It is pure entertainment too, and it is so well done and executed no one can be disturbed. It is one of the most enjoyable, amazingly acted films I have ever seen. A film that everyone should see, if not for De Niro's amazing performance, then for the amazing writing and directing!