the best film of the 80's

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2000)

At first the film made me realize just how violent, domestic violence can be. In a heart stopping scene where Jake (played by De Niro slapped his wife all over the place, Martin Scorsese made me feel that I'm useless, that I could only watch and feel ashamed. Other acts of violence in the film set the entire mood of the film. Anger floats around the whole film and the audience, the unwilling victim. In the end there's a bit of retribution and forgiveness, but it is not clear who would benefit from it. It is a great study of a man's connection with his dark side. Why can't he just walk away from it? Is it a personal choice, or is it really hard to fight it off? One will be transfixed not only by the chaotic scenes and strong dialogue, but also by the most unconventional protagonist I've seen so far in movies released in the 80's: Jake LaMotta. Mr. De Niro's brilliance, may have overshadowed everybody else, but this film is a perfect example of perfect casting, which could be used to the hilt if you have Martin Scorsese at the helm.