Raging Bull (1980)
Stars: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
Runtime: 129 minutes
Synopsis: The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it.
Performances: 10/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Costumes/Makeup: 8/10
Editing: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Verdict: Whenever someone asks me what my favorite Scorsese picture is, I freeze for a couple of seconds. The director has such a versatile and rich filmography that it's nearly impossible to pick a single movie that separates itself from the others. But every single time, the same 4 or 5 projects immediately come to mind when asked this question, and "Raging Bull" is one of them.
Marty has proven himself to be a master in the art of dissecting despicable men with films such as "Taxi Driver" or "The King of Comedy". "Raging Bull" on the surface looks like a boxing flick, but at its core is yet another exploration of a character whose life is one continuous fight. Jake LaMotta was a real boxer, maybe even an all-time great, but he was fueled by uncontrollable anger which he let out not only on his opponents, but also on his close entourage, notably his wife Vicki, played by a great Cathy Moriarty, and brother Joey, portrayed by an outstanding Joe Pesci. But it's Robert De Niro who steals the show as the "Bronx Bull" by delivering one of his best performances of his career, which earned him the only Oscar win of his career as a leading man. "Raging Bull" is also one of Marty's better made movies on a technical level. The black and white cinematography is gorgeous, the writing is engaging, and the editing is near perfect.
I have absolutely no problem calling "Raging Bull" a masterpiece. It's easily one of Scorsese's best films and a fascinating study of toxic masculinity. It's an absolute must.
Marty has proven himself to be a master in the art of dissecting despicable men with films such as "Taxi Driver" or "The King of Comedy". "Raging Bull" on the surface looks like a boxing flick, but at its core is yet another exploration of a character whose life is one continuous fight. Jake LaMotta was a real boxer, maybe even an all-time great, but he was fueled by uncontrollable anger which he let out not only on his opponents, but also on his close entourage, notably his wife Vicki, played by a great Cathy Moriarty, and brother Joey, portrayed by an outstanding Joe Pesci. But it's Robert De Niro who steals the show as the "Bronx Bull" by delivering one of his best performances of his career, which earned him the only Oscar win of his career as a leading man. "Raging Bull" is also one of Marty's better made movies on a technical level. The black and white cinematography is gorgeous, the writing is engaging, and the editing is near perfect.
I have absolutely no problem calling "Raging Bull" a masterpiece. It's easily one of Scorsese's best films and a fascinating study of toxic masculinity. It's an absolute must.
FINAL GRADE: 10/10
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