a classic, but not for the faint-hearted.

Rating: Null/10 (2 December 2000)

Raging Bull is one of Scorsese's best yet. Though out in 1980, I only just saw it after its recent re-release in London (and elsewhere)- and I can confidently say that it's classic film-making at its height. De Niro plays boxer Jake La Motta, a tormented human being whose own demons always seem to frustrate his life's ambitions of being the champion. The film is unforgiving in its portrayal of intense action and one is not ever allowed to feel sorry for La Motta. Yet it has soft moments too- for example the erotic sensuality of Cathy Moriarty's legs splashing the water in the swimming pool. Scorsese completely exploits the potential of black and white film. Two interesting things to note: first, La Motta himself was a consultant for the film; and second, there is a very interesting line from the bible at the end of the film which tells us a lot about what message Scorsese wants us to come away with. I was fascinated. But don't see it on a date!