brutal, intense Scorsese classic

Rating: Null/10 (7 August 2000)

This is a true film classic. It tells the true story of Jake LaMotta, a talented but emotionally unstable and self-destructive boxer. Robert DeNiro (Oscar for Best Actor) gives one of the great acting performances ever, ranking with Henry Fonda in Grapes of Wrath, Denzel Washington as Malcolm X and Gary Cooper in High Noon.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, it helped to launch the careers of Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty and Theresa Saldana. It is one of the most intense and electric movies I've ever seen. The fact it was filmed in black and white adds to the film's gritty atmosphere. Raging Bull has been hailed by critics and moviegoers as the best film of the 1980's. Scorsese certainly deserved an Oscar for this one, although he lost out to Robert Redford (Ordinary People). He's the best director out there. Combined with DeNiro, one of the best actors in the world and both at the top of their games, you have a true masterpiece. 10/10