“Raging Bull” is a film that throughout the ages has been debated by filmmakers, film-lovers and critics as one of the best films of the ’80s, if not the best movie of that decade. The Oscars chose to give best
“Raging Bull” is a film that throughout the ages has been debated by filmmakers, film-lovers and critics as one of the best films of the ’80s, if not the best movie of that decade.
The Oscars chose to give best picture and director to Robert Redford’s directorial debut “Ordinary People.” However, “Raging Bull” is landmark cinema and is a film that gets better with each viewing.
It is a true story based on the autobiography of boxer Jake LaMotta. De Niro’s portrayal of LaMotta is why they call him De Niro. The film takes places in New York City and trails LaMotta through his career as he bids for the middleweight-boxing crown. His brother Joey LaMotta is played by Joe Pesci (Oscar-nominated role) who manages Jake.
This film examines the deepest and sometimes-darkest depths of the human condition. Whether Jake is full of passion for his career, jealous of his wife, standing by his ethics to “earn” a title shot or angry with his brother, De Niro delivers the peak of all emotions. Which is what we all feel in life. Every emotion is just that, an emotion.
Martin Scorsese examines every emotion as humanity. This film is an exact study in what we should and should not do. It’s the duality of man and life.
I warn the viewers, there is graphic violence and scenes of spousal abuse, but the film is a lesson to us all. Scorsese, De Niro and Joe Pesci show us “don’t do that.”
The film’s title “Raging Bull” comes from Jake’s nickname “The Bronx Bull.” The undertone of fear, anger and passion is alive in all human beings and in viewing this film we must remember never to be violent, put a hand on our spouse or let our inner demons drive family members away.
LaMotta does it all. For anyone who has ever found themselves alone, lost or out of control, this film will be therapy.
For film-lovers this is one the greatest films from one of America’s all-time greatest film directors, Scorsese. Although Scorsese would not win an Oscar for another 26 years (“The Departed”), Scorsese continues to direct like a “Raging Bull” with endless passion for cinema and its preservation.
The film pioneered techniques in sound, camera and editing. I don’t want to take away from the journey of this film, but check it out. The director himself didn’t like boxing at the time so no film-renter can say you don’t like boxing and that is why you skipped this one.
Special notes about the Top Ten list: “Mean Streets” is available at Koloa Public/School Library, “The Last Waltz” is a concert film, “No Direction Home” is a documentary about Bob Dylan, and “Shine a Light” is a concert film of the Rolling Stones.
Year: 1980
Studio: MGM/United Artists
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci
Oscars: Best actor (De Niro), best editing (nominations fordirecting/sound/cinematography)
1. Mean Streets (1973)
2. The Last Waltz (1978)
3. The Color of Money (1986)
4. Goodfellas (1990)
5. Casino (1995)
6. Gangs of New York (2002)
7. The Aviator (2004)
8. No Direction Home (2005)
9. The Departed (2006)
10. Shine a Light (2008)
