Superior Boxing Film

Rating: Null/10 (1 January 2001)

"Raging Bull" is the story of middleweight champion Jake LaMotta's rise (to a title) and fall (to oblivion). The story is much more telling than just that of a boxer: it moves into territory of relationships and self-destruction out of ignorance. The cast is simply remarkable: Robert DeNiro is in his best role (he won an Academy Award for Best Actor), Joe Pesci is terrific, and Cathy Moriarity is better than she has ever been. The direction by Martin Scorcese is brilliant. Whether small domestic scenes or brutal action in the ring, every shot is totally captivating and engrossing. The script by Paul Schrader is also exceptional, with excellent character plotting and dialogue. The film's setting also looks great. Everything about the film is executed in an exceptional manner. "Raging Bull" (1980, United Artists) comes highly reccomended.