The Acting? Riveting. The Story? Riveting. The Script? Riveting.

Rating: 10/10 (1 March 2008)

There aren't many films like this. Forget the sequels except the most recent one which was good. This film is dear to me because I feel for this character. Coming home to his turtles.. talking to them.. asking them why they weren't at his last fight cuz he "did good." The guy isn't bright but he's got morals and values. No one really gives a damn about him until suddenly he gets a shot at the title and everyone wants to be his friend. Brilliant scenes that come off honest and desperate, yet very charming. Another thing is the way Philadelphia is shown. Nothing is glamorized. Everything is as is without any bullsh*t. I've seen many boxing movies, but the story and sheer rawness that this one has just cannot be beat.
Raging Bull falls short because LaMotta is simply unlikable. The story is well, OK at best and the fighting sequences... lol. People talk about Rrocky fighting sequences being unrealistic? Watch Raging Bull, they're terrible. A fighter throwing 5 roundhouse right hooks in a row landing all five. Pretty weird. Anyway it's just my opinion. It's a shame that Stallone never tops, or matches his performance here because it's absolutely fantastic.