"Raging Bull" is top-notch film-making

Rating: 10/10 (6 March 2007)

After Martin Scorsese finally won an academy award for directing the Hong Kong remake of "Infernal Affairs" called "The Departed," this reviewer decided to watch one of Scorsese's known classics. That title was "Raging Bull." Is the movie as good as many people have been calling it? Is it overrated? Read this review and find out.
"Raging Bull" is based off of Jack LaMotta's autobiography called "Raging Bull: My Story." This movie focuses on the life and career of boxer Jake LaMotta. Jake's rage and violence made him nearly unstoppable in the boxing ring. Unfortunately, that same anger also drives Jake to beat his wife and his brother Joey and ultimately sends Jake down a self-destructive spiral of paranoia and rage.
"Raging Bull" is an amazing film. Everything about this film just screams classic. Scorsese decision to shoot the film in black and white was genius. It is a shame that it is rare to see a modern day film shot in black and white. Thelma Schoonmaker, who edited many of Scorsese's films, edited this film fabulously, especially during the boxing scenes. What makes the movie so great is that it is not just a boxing movie, like "Rocky," but also a study of humanized flaws created by their own insecurities.
The acting in this film is fantastic. The acting is some of the best this reviewer has seen. Of course, everybody will be talking about Robert De Niro's performance, as Jack LaMotta, and it is for good reason. Another solid performance was from Joe Pesci as Jack's brother, and manager, Joey. The most underrated, and surprising, performance was from, only nineteen years of age at the time, Cathy Moriaty as Vicky.
Overall, if you want to watch one of the best movies of all time, go check this out. If you are looking for a "Rocky" clone, just re-watch "Rocky" again. Martin Scorsese definitely was robbed, as far as an academy award, and it is a shame because this is a fantastic film. See this film; you will probably not be disappointed. "Raging Bull" is top-notch film-making. "Raging Bull" is extremely recommended!