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"It's Robert DeNiro who steers the ship and Scorsese who tells him which way to go. I do however, disagree with the fact that it's Scorsese's best film..."

Once upon a time in the late seventies, Martin Scorsese was addicted to cocaine and his career was in a steady decline. His good friend and lifelong collaborator Robert De Niro came to him preaching about the memoir of Jake LaMotta -- the boxing legend, claiming that the character was brilliant and that they should make a film about it together, with Marty as the director and De Niro as the lead. But now Marty's addiction had taken over his life and he repeatedly turned down the project; until he nearly died from an overdose. Scorsese then reluctantly agreed - doing it for the sake of De Niro and to salvage his career. What they made is a masterpiece. Whereas 1976's "Rocky" was a boxing movie, "Raging Bull" is the portrayal of the in-depth journey that leads a man to be violent to everyone around him. Judging by photos of LaMotta, his brother and his father it seems like he had no choice but to become a boxer, to project his new found anger out on other people. The movie shows him getting married to Vickie (Cathy Moriarty) and shows him begin to regularly beat her, again showing his weakness of character (In the philosophical sense -- not in a dramatic sense). Pretty soon his life leads down the drain in a fascinating story that gets the audience up close and personal with people they generally wouldn't spit on if they were on fire.

"Raging Bull" (1980) - 4/4

I knew this film was going to be good, but damn, I was not prepared for this. Raging Bull is a masterpiece, no arguments. I love everything about it. The characters are all memorable and played perfectly, but most of all they're all believable and you can actually take the film seriously as a biographical story. It progresses perfectly, never once going too fast nor slow. The black and white is gorgeus and looks incredible, much better than colour would have. The music sets the tone, and the whole theme of the film shows that life sucks for some people, and it's not as perfect as other films seem to make out. Without a doubt, one of the best films ever made.

Finally after years I see Raging Bull. Despite not liking the character of Jake Lamota there is little not to like in this film. The performances all around are fantastic, by far the best role I've ever seen De Niro play and Cathy Moriarty is beautiful and holds her own through out. The boxing scenes are top notch, gritty and real and the whole movies feels like it captures the essence of the times and the characters.

I don't know what to say, funny this film recieved mixed reviews on release and didn't make much money. Still something as well made as this movie can't be held down and its found its place among the all time film classics. Not sport classics mind you, film classics. This is not a movie about boxing in my mind, its about a man who happens to be a boxer.

De Niro and Scorsese have done it again. De Niro perfectly portrays the violent character of Jake La Motta.

I think any film fan that didnt enjoy this film should stop being a film fan.

This is my favorite Scorsese film.

SPOILERS
Until the end of this movie, I had a hard time seeing the human side of Jake LaMotta. The final quote made me think, however, that Scorsese wants the viewer to remain neutral on LaMotta's status as a sinner and to be cured of some sort of metaphorical blindness (or maybe only Scorsese was cured, and doesn't expect the viewer to follow suit). In any case, this quote made me re-think LaMotta's character and the importance of his story: perhaps I am meant to learn to be more forgiving or understanding of the self-destructive or to identify and correct such tendencies in myself. A challenging and subtle film, despite its brutality. (Posted at www.philmosophy.com November 22, 2009)

a true story about an up and comer and down and outer, very well told, put together, acted and directed. scorsese has done it again

easily my favorite boxing film, this film is immense the cast is brilliant especialy de niro who plays the part excellently, one of the best scorsese films without a doubt, great script and well put together, this is a must see.