An Excellent Biography and Boxing Film

Rating: 10/10 (29 May 2005)

I had heard so much about this film throughout my years but never had the time to rent it or catch it on TV. Well I finally decided to rent the film and I must say, this is Scorcese's best film.
The film is a biography of infamous boxer Jake La Motta played by Robert De Niro, middle-weight champion and a bit insane at the same time. The film takes the viewer through famous boxing matches and his personal life with his odd friendship with his brother Joey (Joe Pesci in his best performance ever) and his fifteen year old wife Vickey (Cathy Moriarty).
The movie is well-filmed with excellent cinematography by Scorcese and Michael Chapman. The use of both slow-motion scenes and fast-paced frantic scenes are beautifully used to portray the film in an emotionally charged way. The film really shows the struggles that La Motta suffered the verge of insanity he was constantly touching.
Joe Pesci surprised me and in my mind does the best acting of his career. De Niro is fantastic and overshadows Pesci a little. He's cruel, he's powerful, and he is emotional. The directing is brilliant and the acting superb.
Raging Bull. Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarty, Frank Vincent, and Nicholas Colasanto.
5 out of 5 Stars.