Mediocre Oscar bait for its time

Rating: 3/10 (15 September 2019)

I remember being a teenager trying to justify the movie to myself. Black and white was supposed to make it special. The violence, verite', and 'honest' acting was supposed to make it relevant. Most of all, the concensus of movie critic books that I glanced through couldn't be wrong, could it? 4 stars out of 4, etc etc.
Now I just view it as boring and exploitive, of Lamotta, no less. I'm sure he adored the movie, but it only focuses in, with a clumsily implemented style. on the bad elements of LaMotta's life, failing to show complexities, and failing to provide any redemptive arc.
Despite showing all of the abusive behavior, there's no genuine element of self-reflection in the movie, despite the fact that LaMotta was completely
forthright about his life and his demons.
I think the movie would've been far better in the hands of another director.
Oh yeah, the boxing scenes are ridiculously staged.