What do you do with a bull? You get him in the ring...

Rating: 10/10 (30 May 2007)

It seems fairly self-evident to me, but at least one review I've read has tried to write otherwise: This isn't a boxing movie. We see a few fights, but the result that goes into the record books isn't as important as the mental toll taken by the running battles waged outside the ring. What it's implied that boxing meant to Jake La Motta is a release of all the pent up frustration and insecurities that destroy his relationships. Pugilism is a healthy, controlled outlet for his anger, but remove him from that sporting environment and he's as dangerous as a bull would be if it began roaming the streets...
It is entirely likely that there are no excuses to explain the development of such a man. Perhaps the best thing to do when you realise you have a time-bomb on your hands is to try to plot the path which will cause least destruction, channeling that force and at least putting it to some kind of purpose. Gaining admiration for such a volatile personality probably wasn't high on the list of priorities going into production. It's a despairing situation to document, but an unflinching and fascinating one at that. This is raw celluloid power, restrained for our study as best as can be done.