Great Film, Just Not a Favorite

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2009)

When I went into watching Raging Bull, I think I set my expectations too high. After hearing all the hype that it made about it being the greatest sports film, I just had to see it. I was not disappointed in the least bit, but by the end, I found that it lacked the same level of emotional girth that other great sports films were so abundant in.
First and foremost, the acting in Raging Bull was undoubtedly one of the best of any film. De Niro was brilliant as the boxing paragon Jake La Motta, both as a young, talented up-and-comer, and a washed-up, overweight drunk. This was definitely one of De Nior's finest performances. Moriarty, at the tender age of nineteen, was perfect opposite the seasoned De Niro, and Joe Pesci gives another in a string of great performances as La Motta's concerned brother/manager.
The film was an homage to the boxing scene in the 40s and 50s. I believe Scorsese shot the film in black-and-white to accent the heavy use of blood in the ring and experimental fight scenes. At some points int the film, the punches looked very fake to me, like in the beginning when La Motta asks Joey to hit him. Even if the punch isn't altogether powerful, a person's head will still fly back a considerable amount.
Raging Bull was an amazing achievement in all respects as I stated before, and I am not bashing it or anyone who enjoys it in any way, but I don't think it will be one of those films that sticks with me. I will hold Raging Bull in high regard as it is a cinematic marvel, but I feel that is a perfect example of an acquired taste.