One of the finest pieces of cinema i've ever had the pleasure of watching. The editing, directing, acting, and cinematography are all, - in my opinion - perfect.
This isn't a dialogue, story, or plot-driven movie, but the screenplay does it's job.
For me, this has that indescribable cinematic magic, the kind that only true classic films possess, the kind that can't be emulated. I've seen quite a few great boxing films, but for me, none compare to Raging Bull (so far anyway).
You can't help but respect this quality of film making.
If you're watching this thinking you're about to see a sports movie about boxing then, you couldn't be more wrong. Stylistically speaking, this film is beautiful to watch regarding DeNiro's acting, the editing, the cinematography and of course Scorsese's skills.
Do not watch this if you focus more on the plot, dialogue and story because this won't be your cup of tea; that's certain.
The acting, directing, and cinematography are wonderful, yes. But the grandiose style seems almost ironic in contrast with lowbrow LaMotta. He's mean-spirited, childish, and quite frankly, an idiot. His tantrums are as predictable as they are pointless. Am I missing something? As a subject he seems way too easy for Scorsese's or De Niro's skills.
There's a lot to admire in this film. The performances, certainly. The direction, obviously. Scorsese somehow manages to give the film the look of films from the era it represents, the 40s and early 50s, in black and white with simple, precise film language, and yet allow himself experimentation like freeze frames, without them seeming out of place. Though outwardly a boxing film, it's really about "boxing" as a psychological state, La Motta's violence poisoning his marriage and friendships. I especially liked how artful the boxing sequences were, but that when he unleashes his fists on his wife and brother, the same action is raw, messy and visceral. Unfortunately, the film goes on too long with rather pointless scenes featuring La Motta's post-boxing days. Unnecessary tedium at the end of an otherwise strong film.
How Jake La Motta is still alive at 92 is beyond me. Not only did he take a LOT of punishment, he hardly lived the clean live after boxing, or indeed during it!
I loved the end. I honestly understand the lack of dialogue but this film left me wanting to know more about the people involved. I didn't feel like I knew anyone much besides Jake and maybe his brother Joey. Still a great one and glad I finally saw it. Perhaps, as a huge fan of other Scorsese movies like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, I may have worked it up in my mind to a level it couldn't live up to. Still it's Scorsese so its a top notch film with great performances and directing.
I feel nothing but scorn for the two brothers, though. The way they treated their wives is beyond disgusting. I have no symphaty or appreciation for Jake LaMotta, be he a famous boxer or not.
2Pac's "So Many Tears" could be the theme song to this movie. Pretty amazing movie. Paranoia all around. The B&W gives it a feeling of 40's authenticity. Jake La Motta is the paranoid persona De Niro takes on, in the same way Pacino takes on Tony Montana. Except everything about Raging Bull speaks of greatness in terms of quality of script, acting, and directing. Overall Great movie.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 28
Fester the Sloth
One of the finest pieces of cinema i've ever had the pleasure of watching. The editing, directing, acting, and cinematography are all, - in my opinion - perfect.This isn't a dialogue, story, or plot-driven movie, but the screenplay does it's job.
For me, this has that indescribable cinematic magic, the kind that only true classic films possess, the kind that can't be emulated. I've seen quite a few great boxing films, but for me, none compare to Raging Bull (so far anyway).
You can't help but respect this quality of film making.
NourNasreldin
If you're watching this thinking you're about to see a sports movie about boxing then, you couldn't be more wrong. Stylistically speaking, this film is beautiful to watch regarding DeNiro's acting, the editing, the cinematography and of course Scorsese's skills.Do not watch this if you focus more on the plot, dialogue and story because this won't be your cup of tea; that's certain.
juanittomx
Good acting, but the film seems really flat to me .. really I didin't get it.myfajahas400children
Robert De Niro is amazing in this movie. His best performance of all time.kellyoung
The acting, directing, and cinematography are wonderful, yes. But the grandiose style seems almost ironic in contrast with lowbrow LaMotta. He's mean-spirited, childish, and quite frankly, an idiot. His tantrums are as predictable as they are pointless. Am I missing something? As a subject he seems way too easy for Scorsese's or De Niro's skills.Siskoid
There's a lot to admire in this film. The performances, certainly. The direction, obviously. Scorsese somehow manages to give the film the look of films from the era it represents, the 40s and early 50s, in black and white with simple, precise film language, and yet allow himself experimentation like freeze frames, without them seeming out of place. Though outwardly a boxing film, it's really about "boxing" as a psychological state, La Motta's violence poisoning his marriage and friendships. I especially liked how artful the boxing sequences were, but that when he unleashes his fists on his wife and brother, the same action is raw, messy and visceral. Unfortunately, the film goes on too long with rather pointless scenes featuring La Motta's post-boxing days. Unnecessary tedium at the end of an otherwise strong film.nick-samuel
How Jake La Motta is still alive at 92 is beyond me. Not only did he take a LOT of punishment, he hardly lived the clean live after boxing, or indeed during it!Truly a legendary boxer.
stefenemie
I loved the end. I honestly understand the lack of dialogue but this film left me wanting to know more about the people involved. I didn't feel like I knew anyone much besides Jake and maybe his brother Joey. Still a great one and glad I finally saw it. Perhaps, as a huge fan of other Scorsese movies like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, I may have worked it up in my mind to a level it couldn't live up to. Still it's Scorsese so its a top notch film with great performances and directing.ecnered
Best of all biography films I've seen.Kamrado
I love how Scorcese movies end. It's not good or bad, everything in grey tones.toopsy
The film itself is nicely directed and acted.I feel nothing but scorn for the two brothers, though. The way they treated their wives is beyond disgusting. I have no symphaty or appreciation for Jake LaMotta, be he a famous boxer or not.
Ekiwaroke
2Pac's "So Many Tears" could be the theme song to this movie. Pretty amazing movie. Paranoia all around. The B&W gives it a feeling of 40's authenticity. Jake La Motta is the paranoid persona De Niro takes on, in the same way Pacino takes on Tony Montana. Except everything about Raging Bull speaks of greatness in terms of quality of script, acting, and directing. Overall Great movie.Cuadie
DeNiro's paranoïa drove me fcking crazy! Good performances though.fetzu
You fuck my wife!?N1v3K
Cosmo Kramer goes boxingShowing items 1 – 15 of 28