thing of beauty

Rating: 10/10 (1 August 2015)

In 1964 New York, Jake La Motta (Robert De Niro) is an old overweight man preparing to perform. In 1941, Jake knocks out Jimmy Reeves but the bell saves him and Jake loses his first fight. Jake's brother Joey LaMotta (Joe Pesci) is in his corner. Back in the Bronx, he meets neighborhood girl Vickie (Cathy Moriarty) and he eventually marries her. He is a volatile man and is extremely jealous of any man who looks at her.
Much of the praise has to be given to Martin Scorsese. His vision and his style is perfect. The black and white is beautiful. His cast is amazing. Joe Pesci is solid. It's amazing that he found the great Cathy Moriarty in her film debut. Then there is Robert De Niro. There are almost no words to describe his performance. He's lost in his animal intensity. There are no seams showing. He does not let up for one second. It's a thing of beauty.