MJ5K's Review

Summary - Perfect 5.0

30 years since its release, Martin Scorsese’s depressing yet brilliant classic Raging Bull remains one of Hollywood’s crown achievements and an essential film in the legendary director’s arsenal. The story, cinematography, and acting remains just as compelling as it was 30 years ago. As Scorsese suffered from a drug problem around the time Raging Bull was made, many believe had it not been for this film being the wake up call to Scorsese, he wouldn’t be around making the films he’s famous for today.

Raging Bull is a biopic focusing on the rise and fall of boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro at the top of his game). It starts with a young Jake in 1941, who fights with the help of friend/brother/manager Joey (Joe Pesci, in a strong performance). He soon falls for girl next door Vicki (Cathy Moriarty, who seems small compare to who she has to work with), whom of which he marries. Jake soon goes on a downward spiral of self destruction that leaves him nothing in the end.

This is the Citizen Kane of biopics. In fact, I’d probably take Raging Bull as the greatest film of all time over Citizen Kane any day. It is that perfect. On top of that, it’s certainly stood the test of time. The black and white really gives you a “classic film” feeling and it really takes you back to the films of the 1940s. Its almost as though the movie could’ve been made in any decade. Its completely undated.

Raging Bull is an absolute masterpiece. While not my favorite Martin Scorsese film, its undeniably one of his best. And its still a knock out among all classics.

Acting - Great 4.0

De Niro gives the performance of a lifetime as doomed boxer Jake La Motta. He puts so much emotion into his character. While Jake’s a bit of a scum bag, the audience still feels for him as De Niro portrays Jake with a certain compelling appeal.

Pesci gives a strong and often sarcastic and witty performance. His dry humor really works well here.

Moriarty was alright as Vicki, but I expected better from someone working alongside greats like Pesci and De Niro.

Film - Perfect 5.0

The production value is fantastic! Again, the black and white really helps create a very dark and yet (like I said before) “classic film” vibe to the whole thing.

The fighting is very gritty and extremely violent. The way it goes onto the audience is just horrifying. In that case, mission accomplished!

The score is very memorable. One of the best.

Edge - Horrid 3.9

Raging Bull should be seen by ages 14 and up. Anyone else, no go.

Reality - Natural 1.0

Well, considering this is based on a true story…..

3 Comments

• Wick Oct 10, 2010 11:23AM

  Regarding MetalJunky5000’s Review
  Interesting take, MJ, especially your observation about Scorsese’s rescue from drug dependency as a result of making Raging Bull.

  Given that Scorsese’s demons were enabled by the fact that he was a show biz success, perhaps he was using Jake La Motta’s celebrity indulgences as a partial metaphor for his own life.

• Wick Mar 29, 2009 12:45AM

  Regarding Wick’s Review
  Yep, that’s right. I couldn’t see fit to give the legendary Raging Bull five full beams. Couldn’t get over my disappointment with Cathy Moriarty, so had to apply a half beam haircut.

  Perfect Film though, and Perfect Lead Acting by De Niro, no fucking doubt.

  But Perfect Movie? Nope.

• Wick Feb 24, 2008 8:25AM

  Nice work AMC, ringing in the first review of Raging Bull. Perfect indeed.

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