Nearly a Knockout

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2001)

I'm a big fan of the "Scorsese/De Niro" flicks. I loved Mean Streets and Taxi Driver (which is my favourite movie). So it only made sense that i'd run out to the nearest video store to rent what many call a masterpiece. Raging Bull, an autobiography about the life of Jake La Motta, is a film that wowed me in some parts, but at the end left me wanting more. The high points in the movie are numerous. The outstanding direction by Martin Scorsese, as well as the use of black and white film creates a 1 2 combination that brings out the sheer drama, and intensity that is most of the movie. The absolutely brilliant acting by Robert De Niro is just plain incredible, and a well deserved Oscar winning effort. And not to be overlooked is the part of Joey, played by Joe Pesci. Also the choreographed fight scenes are superbly well done. However the ending, if you ask me, left a lot to be desired, and may have been the result of last minute script changes. I remember watching the tv in disbelief as the credits began rolling by, this couldnt be the end? Alas it was, and unfortunately an otherwise powerful movie ends with a very weak denounment. So with that said, Raging Bull is a great movie, one that should not be overlooked. However if you do see it and end up wanting more, go rent Taxi Driver, the greatest movie released in the last 30 years.