I don’t like boxing movies and I don’t like the gratuitous use of profanity just for the sake of profanity. I must admit, I couldn’t watch the entire movie. I got disgusted about a quarter of the way through. Sorry but Scorsese movies are just not for me.
It's well acted and phenomenally filmed, but at times I get the feeling it's more of a showcase for the art of filming technique rather than putting a compelling plot with it. It's the classic "style over substance" issue but it's unbelievably well disguised by De Niro's acting and the tone that Scorsese was shooting for. Well made enough that it's still very entertaining to watch.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Good movie but I prefer The Fighter, it is a good movie but there are better sport movies, I did not like Jake La Motta the person, but I enjoyed Jake La Motta the boxer
3.5/5
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Comments 1 - 15 of 28
N1v3K
Cosmo Kramer goes boxingClassicLady
I don’t like boxing movies and I don’t like the gratuitous use of profanity just for the sake of profanity. I must admit, I couldn’t watch the entire movie. I got disgusted about a quarter of the way through. Sorry but Scorsese movies are just not for me.DisneyStitch
It's well acted and phenomenally filmed, but at times I get the feeling it's more of a showcase for the art of filming technique rather than putting a compelling plot with it. It's the classic "style over substance" issue but it's unbelievably well disguised by De Niro's acting and the tone that Scorsese was shooting for. Well made enough that it's still very entertaining to watch.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.
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.nicolaskrizan
boxing noirhttps://beyond1001movies.wordpress.com/2015/01/21/backtrack-raging-bull-1980/
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.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.
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.
GATO
they said it's a sport movie about boxing "MEH"Cthulhu1
Is the acting really that good, or does De Niro just play himself, as he seems to do in every film?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.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.
juanittomx
Good acting, but the film seems really flat to me .. really I didin't get it.Joker of Gotham
Good movie but I prefer The Fighter, it is a good movie but there are better sport movies, I did not like Jake La Motta the person, but I enjoyed Jake La Motta the boxer3.5/5
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