Raging Bull (1980)
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98% of critics liked it
(58 reviews) -
92% of users liked it
(112,610 ratings)
Martin Scorsese's brutal character study incisively portrays the true rise and fall and redemption of middleweight boxer Jake La Motta, a violent man in and out of the ring who thrives on his ability (and desire) to take a beating. Opening with the spectacle of the over-the-hill La Motta (Robert De… More Martin Scorsese's brutal character study incisively portrays the true rise and fall and redemption of middleweight boxer Jake La Motta, a violent man in and out of the ring who thrives on his ability (and desire) to take a beating. Opening with the spectacle of the over-the-hill La Motta (Robert De Niro) practicing his 1960s night-club act, the film flashes back to 1940s New York, when Jake's career is on the rise. Despite pressure from the local mobsters, Jake trusts his brother Joey (Joe Pesci) to help him make it to a title bout against Sugar Ray Robinson the honest way; the Mob, however, will not cave in. Jake gets the title bout, and blonde teenage second wife Vickie (Cathy Moriarty), but success does nothing to exorcise his demons, even as he channels his rage into boxing. Alienating Vickie and Joey, and disastrously gaining weight, Jake has destroyed his personal and professional lives by the 1950s. After he hits bottom, however, Jake emerges with a gleam of self-awareness, as he sits rehearsing Marlon Brando's On the Waterfront speech in his dressing room mirror: "I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody." Working with a script adapted by Mardik Martin and Paul Schrader from La Motta's memoirs, Scorsese and De Niro sought to make an uncompromising portrait of an unlikable man and his ruthless profession. Eschewing uplifting Rocky-like boxing movie conventions, their Jake is relentlessly cruel and self-destructive; the only peace he can make is with himself. Michael Chapman's stark black-and-white photography creates a documentary/tabloid realism; the production famously shut down so that De Niro could gain 50-plus pounds. Raging Bull opened in late 1980 to raves for its artistry and revulsion for its protagonist; despite eight Oscar nominations, it underperformed at the box office, as audiences increasingly turned away from "difficult" films in the late '70s and early '80s. The Academy concurred, passing over Scorsese's work for Best Director and Picture in favor of Robert Redford and Ordinary People, although De Niro won a much-deserved Oscar, as did the film's editor, Thelma Schoonmaker. Oscar or no Oscar, Raging Bull has often been cited as the best American film of the 1980s. ~ Lucia Bozzola, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- R, 2 hr. 8 min.
- Directed By
- Martin Scorsese
- Written By
- Mardik Martin, Paul Schrader
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Dec 19, 1980 Wide
- On DVD
- Aug 1, 2000
- Studio
- United Artists
Critic Reviews
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Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
De Niro is always absorbing and credible, even when his character isn't.
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Joseph McBride, Variety
Martin Scorsese makes pictures about the kinds of people you wouldn't want to know.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
I can't pan it, but this 1980 fantasy biography of fighter Jake LaMotta seems unquestionably Martin Scorsese's weakest work, at least to that point in his career.
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Ty Burr, Boston Globe
The film that many consider the finest of its decade.
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Glenn Abel, Hollywood Reporter
An underdog in its day and a classic today.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
Though Raging Bull has only three principal characters, it is a big film, its territory being the landscape of the soul.
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Jeffrey M. Anderson, Common Sense Media
Boxing movie masterpiece still brutal, bloody.
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Leonard Maltin, Leonard Maltin's Picks
The other night, my wife and I sat down to watch the new 30th Anniversary Blu-ray edition of Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull. I could scarcely believe it's been three decades since...
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Chris Cabin, Slant Magazine
Raging Bull's second release on Blu-ray looks to be the essential version of Scorsese's masterwork, second only to the experience of seeing it on the big screen.
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R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD
Raging Bull is a fascinating exploration of the mind of an emotionally disconnected man. It's brutal, crass and impossible to look away -- much like a real boxing match.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The 30th anniversary Blu-ray edition contains many special featurettes. Scorsese's 1980 film is an American masterpiece than even he doesn't make anymore.
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Keith Uhlich, Time Out New York
When has a performer as fully and uniquely sacrificed himself to the moving-picture cause as De Niro?
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Matthew Connolly, Slant Magazine
Scorsese might never again find a subject as ideal as Jake LaMotta, the Bronx-based boxer whose public bouts and private demons Raging Bull chronicles with such bruising acuity.
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Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Um estudo psicológico brutal sobre um homem dominado pelo ciúme, a insegurança e a paranóia e que traz, além da direção inspirada e expressiva de Scorsese, três atuações formidáveis por parte de De Niro, Pesci e Moriarty.
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Chris Laverty, Heckler Spray
Interesting, rewarding and, at times, surprisingly episodic.
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Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Robert De Niro's metamorphosis into boxing legend Jake La Motta (AKA the Bronx Bull) is one of the most impressive acting transformations on celluloid.
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Todd Gilchrist, H Magazine
An essential addition to the libraries of all true cinephiles, the film is a triumph both for De Niro and his director, Martin Scorsese, as this stuffed set ably demonstrates.
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Derek Malcolm, This is London
A classic that has everything to do with the capacity of even highly successful men to cope with life in general, and women in particular.
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Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
De Niro and Joe Pesci are impeccable and Cathy Moriarty is iconically sexy.
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Wendy Ide, Times [UK]
This savagely authentic film about flawed masculinity is worth seeking out for another viewing if the summer's toothless blockbuster fodder is getting you down.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Jameson W
I finally got to see this classic film and sadly, I was disappointed; I didn't like it. There were elements that I thought were excellent like the acting, direction, and cinematography (the black and white is perfect for this film), but I just never got into it. I didn't… More
I finally got to see this classic film and sadly, I was disappointed; I didn't like it. There were elements that I thought were excellent like the acting, direction, and cinematography (the black and white is perfect for this film), but I just never got into it. I didn't really care for any of the characters and the story wasn't that interesting. I plan to see this again...it may just be one of those films that takes multiple viewings. -
Graham J
What can I say, an unforgettable film experience. -
Brad W
Raging Bull is one of the most intense and incredible sports films of all time, but its not really all about sports, its mostly about a man, and that man is named Jake Lomatta. The plot is based on a true story, but I was just watching his story and I realized there are few sports… More
Raging Bull is one of the most intense and incredible sports films of all time, but its not really all about sports, its mostly about a man, and that man is named Jake Lomatta. The plot is based on a true story, but I was just watching his story and I realized there are few sports films that are as intense with the personal lives of the protagonists but this movie doesn't stray from showing us characters that are colorful and real, and I think thatsthe best kind of story, when the audience is watching a story and people who are real and we see them much differently then how we saw them before. The cast surely did their homework about their characters because they all got an A+ in my book. Robert DeNiro deserved his Oscar, he plays possibly his greatest role he has ever done and I truly loved him and he may have been the best part of the film, and Joe Pesci is always great and fun to watch. The boxing scenes are not your usual boxing scenes, they are very fast paced and quick and there even some moments that were just pure strokes of genius. My favorite sports film is Rudy, but I don't consider this much of a sports film, I consider it a dramatic work of art about a man who tried everything to be great and all he wanted was to be the best, but all he did was lose as much as he gained, and Raging Bull should be considered in the leagues as the greatest film ever, because it is just so amazing I cannot consider it anything else from perfect, this is one of Martin Scorseses masterpieces. -
Liam G
Robert De Niro gives one of the greatest screen performances I've seen in Martin Scorsese's riveting drama. It is one of the best character studies I've seen and the cinematography and direction are top-notch. -
Jeff "
Whenever Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro get together they always make a phenomenal film. Raging Bull is one of Scorsese's best films and is also one of the best boxing films ever made. Forget about Rocky, Ali and more recently The Fighter, this is the boxing film to watch.… More
Whenever Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro get together they always make a phenomenal film. Raging Bull is one of Scorsese's best films and is also one of the best boxing films ever made. Forget about Rocky, Ali and more recently The Fighter, this is the boxing film to watch. Raging Bull is the true story of boxer Jake LaMotta who seeks to get a title shot against Sugar Ray Robinson. Like every Scorsese film, Scorsese is able to tell a terrific story on screen and make it interesting. For Raging Bull, he has assembled a phenomenal cast of talented actors who light up the screen in this powerful drama. Raging Bull is the best film dealing with boxing. Martin Scorsese really delivers a strong film and its one of his best. Raging Bull is an astounding character study of a conflicted individual as he seeks redemption. Scorsese tells a powerful story and De Niro delivers a stunning performance. Sure there are a lot of great boxing films out there, but for me, none has the power that Raging Bull has. This is a well crafted film with a well executed story and delivers believable drama on screen. Martin Scorsese has always made great films, but Raging Bull is one of his finest works. If you want to see one of the finest boxing films, then let it be this one. Raging Bull is a superbly well acted drama that is one unforgettable masterpiece. -
Zach B
If one was to seriously think about it, there are really only two main types of films: Stories and character studies. The idea of a film being good or bad is nothing short of a state of mind. Here, this is a film that is a character study that, in all my years of viewing films, is… More
If one was to seriously think about it, there are really only two main types of films: Stories and character studies. The idea of a film being good or bad is nothing short of a state of mind. Here, this is a film that is a character study that, in all my years of viewing films, is unlike any other I have ever seen. And it would take Martin Scorsese to create such a film. 'Raging Bull', based on the novel Raging Bull: My Story (written by Jake La Motta), is a film that is a character study and damn good one that is hard to watch. It is not because of the violence or gore (there is plenty of that), but because we are taken into a world of a man that is beyond confused to such a point that he is self destructing himself and we end up seeing the effect on the people around him. In terms of direction, Scorsese is always a magnificent pro at what he does. It was once said by a fellow film critic that "Black and white has a special quality. It's more stylized than color, more dreamy, less realistic.". Here with this film, that quote fits this so perfectly. This film, watching it, seems like a dream that you want to escape from (or brutally beat up the main character) but you do not want to because you have to see how much more farther down he will spiral. So, the black and white film used here works beyond well. His (being Scorsese's) cinematography is beyond gorgeous. The best moments are during the many bowing scenes that are littered in this film. Watching this, you would think that he would specialize in those types of camera techniques. The only problem would have to be the pasing. This is a slow film that does not pick up until the last hour or so. Now the script. I will have to say that Mardik Martin and Paul Schrader done a good job writing the script for this film to make it the film it is. Out of the film done by Scorsese, this one has one of the best scripts so, I am impressed by those two who adapted part of the novel into this film. Then we have the acting. The only two actors that I even need to mention are Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. I mean, these guys are pro at acting, guys who give it their all. And seeing them acting as brothers in this pic, I have to admit they done a wonderful and heart-aching job and portraying the struggles the real people that they are portraying as were. Finally we have the score. To be honest, there really is not that much of a score to speak of. But, I am guessing that due to this film and how it was made, this is needed. So, overall, I say that this is a great film to watch if you are interested in seeing a great character study film and are willing to dive down into the complex hell of one man. -
Taylor R
I just rewatched this after almost five years, and I was still stunned by its psychotic violence, impressed by De Niro's unbelievable performance, and absorbed by Scorsese's minimal yet pointed direction. I don't agree that this film has a redemptive quality to it.… More
I just rewatched this after almost five years, and I was still stunned by its psychotic violence, impressed by De Niro's unbelievable performance, and absorbed by Scorsese's minimal yet pointed direction. I don't agree that this film has a redemptive quality to it. It's about a terrible man who is first unable, and then refuses, to recognize that he is the cause of his problems. Driven entirely by impulse, La Motta has nothing - not love, not trust, absolutely nothing - beyond his concern for satiating his immediate impulses. A powerful statement on evil, Scorsese's complete lack of judgment on his title character can make the film difficult to watch and understand. Still, after all these years, it's still an effective, emotionally wrenching movie. -
Sophie B
Brilliantly shot and framed and I loved the ultra-stylized boxing ring fights. Fantastic and emotional performances from the cast. Boxing/fighting films aren't normally my thing but this is the best of its type. I'm not saying I'd jump at the chance to see this again,… More
Brilliantly shot and framed and I loved the ultra-stylized boxing ring fights. Fantastic and emotional performances from the cast. Boxing/fighting films aren't normally my thing but this is the best of its type. I'm not saying I'd jump at the chance to see this again, but the way Scorsese portrays these people really is beautiful. -
Albert K
An incredible movie. Martin Scorsese creates a character that seems cold and heartless, but relatable at the same time. A great movie with flawless acting from Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. -
Kristijonas F
An uncompromising and gripping film expertly delivered by director Martin Scorsese. Robert De Niro's performance is absolutely terrifying to watch. -
Christopher A
Beautifully filmed and exquisitely delivererd, Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull follows the rise and fall of Jake LaMotta. Unstoppable and somewhat poetic within the ring, dogged by jealousy and paranoia outside of it. LaMotta, played by the brilliant Robert De Niro is someone… More
Beautifully filmed and exquisitely delivererd, Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull follows the rise and fall of Jake LaMotta. Unstoppable and somewhat poetic within the ring, dogged by jealousy and paranoia outside of it. LaMotta, played by the brilliant Robert De Niro is someone that you really want to root for but we are constantly prevented from fully committing as LaMotta hits self destruct on his personal life and ultimtely his boxing career. Unmissable. "Who's an animal? Your mother's an animal, ya son of a bitch. " -
Jennifer D
As a character I could not stand Jake LaMotta. Just throwing that out there. I wanted to ram him with a car. And the story was meh. To me. I don't like boxing stories. Or sports in general. However, De Niro and Pesci were brilliant. And it was shot gorgeously. And the Psycho-ish… More
As a character I could not stand Jake LaMotta. Just throwing that out there. I wanted to ram him with a car. And the story was meh. To me. I don't like boxing stories. Or sports in general. However, De Niro and Pesci were brilliant. And it was shot gorgeously. And the Psycho-ish fight scene was awwwwesome even if it was cringe-worthy. -
Emile T
Personnally, it's not my favorite Scorsese movie, but it's one of the best made, even if, again, it doesn't beat The Departed. I could compare this film to Rocky, but Raging Bull was much better !<br/>De Niro was absolutely perfect as Jake LaMotta. He was so… More
Personnally, it's not my favorite Scorsese movie, but it's one of the best made, even if, again, it doesn't beat The Departed. I could compare this film to Rocky, but Raging Bull was much better !<br/>De Niro was absolutely perfect as Jake LaMotta. He was so excellent that I was kinda scared of him...<br/>The cinematography was also perfect.<br/><br/>Great film from the master Scorsese. -
Antony S
Astonishing and uncomprosiming, expect not to take to this first time round, but persevere (as I did), and you'll find an incredible central performance and remarkable direction. NOT a sports movie, and thank god for that. No easy answers this time, such as it was with De Niro… More
Astonishing and uncomprosiming, expect not to take to this first time round, but persevere (as I did), and you'll find an incredible central performance and remarkable direction. NOT a sports movie, and thank god for that. No easy answers this time, such as it was with De Niro back in the day... a masterpiece by all accounts, the like of which we probably won't see again. Marvel at the power of the 'La Motta takes a fall' bout; impossible to convey in any other medium, perfect cinema. -
Thomas B
Not as accessible as Scorcese movies usually are but incredible nonetheless. Full review later. -
xGary X
Martin Scorsese certainly doesn't pull any punches in this biopic of fighter Jake LaMotta that's as brutal and uncompromising as the man himself. Although Scorsese's favourite subject matter of the American gangster is strictly confined to the sidelines for this film,… More
Martin Scorsese certainly doesn't pull any punches in this biopic of fighter Jake LaMotta that's as brutal and uncompromising as the man himself. Although Scorsese's favourite subject matter of the American gangster is strictly confined to the sidelines for this film, it shares the familiar themes of men of violence whose behaviour is governed by testosterone and ignorance and their whole lives ruled by ego and the unshakable need to be the "alpha male". LaMotta, although himself a consultant to the film, is shown to be a thoroughly unlikable individual; a selfish, immature, paranoid bully who is completely incapable of an adult relationship which is no doubt a side effect of his ferocious talent in the ring. Scorsese shows boxing not as a glamorous sport, but one of ugly brutality stained with sprays of sweat and spurts of blood photographed in a style that is grittily factual yet strangely beautiful; this duality is highlighted particularly effectively in his final fight with Sugar Ray Robinson and during his incarceration for corrupting a minor. The centrepiece of the film is no doubt DeNiro's stunningly believable performance as LaMotta, with strong support from Joe Pesci although I did find Cathy Moriarty a little wooden. Your enjoyment of the film may well hinge on your ability to relate to such an unpleasant central character but it is a powerful indictment on the excess and emptiness of the pursuit of the American dream and certainly the best boxing film ever made. -
Lewis C
This is just a place-holder review. I've been told that Raging Bull is a movie that should be seen multiple times, and after my first viewing, I agree. So I'll give it a proper review one day, after I've watched it enough times to be comfortable with my opinions of it. -
Tim S
Another Scorsese masterpiece and also one of the great boxing movies. -
Conner R
When it comes to biopics, not many come better than Raging Bull. It is one of Martin Scorsese's most meticulous and artistically significant films. Robert De Niro gives debatably his greatest performance. At no point are you not in awe of this flawless piece of art. -
Anthony L
In my opinion, this is Scorsese's best film from a directional point of view. It's beautifully lit and the camera tricks are awesome (I refer to the different sizes of boxing ring, depending on how well the main character is fighting). The script is sharp and witty and De… More
In my opinion, this is Scorsese's best film from a directional point of view. It's beautifully lit and the camera tricks are awesome (I refer to the different sizes of boxing ring, depending on how well the main character is fighting). The script is sharp and witty and De Niro & Pesci make the first of many fantastic double acts together. Brilliant film.
Cast
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Robert De Niroas Jake LaMotta -
Cathy Moriartyas Vickie LaMotta -
Joe Pescias Joey LaMotta
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Frank Vincentas Salvy -
Nicholas Colasantoas Tommy Como -
Theresa Saldanaas Lenore
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Frank Adonisas Patsy -
Mario Galloas Mario -
Frank Tophamas Toppy/Handler
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Johnny Barnesas Sugar Ray Robinson -
Kevin Mahonas Tony Janiro -
Ed Gregoryas Billy Fox
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Louis Raftisas Marcel Cerdan -
Johnny Turneras Laurent Dauthuille -
Bob Aaronas Prison Guard #1
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Bernie Allenas Comedian -
John Arcerias Maitre d' -
Michael Badaluccoas Soda Fountain Clerk
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Wally K. Bernsas Arresting Deputy #2 -
Joseph Bonoas Guido -
James V. Christyas Dr. Pinto
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Daniel P. Conteas Detroit Promoter -
Shay Duffinas Ring Announcer (Janiro Fight) -
Don Dunphyas Himself/Radio Announcer (Dauthuille Fight)
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Peter Fainas Dauthuille Corner Man -
Lori Anne Flaxas Irma -
Paul Forrestas Monsignor
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Bill Hanrahanas Eddie Eagan -
Ted Husingas Himself (TV Announcer 3rd Robinson Fight) -
Jack Lotzas Referee (Fox Fight)
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Allan Malamudas Reporter at Jake's House -
Mardik Martinas Copa Waiter -
Bill Mazeras Reporter
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Richard McMurrayas J.R. -
Candy Mooreas Linda -
Harvey Parryas Referee (3rd Robinson Fight)
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Charles Scorseseas Charlie - Man with Como -
Geraldine Smithas Janet -
Coley Wallaceas Joe Louis
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Kevin Breslinas Heckler -
Cis Corman -
Vic Magnottaas Fighting Soldier
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Martin Scorseseas Barbizon Stagehand -
John Turturroas Man at Table -
Robert Uricolaas Man outside Cab
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Mary Albeeas Underage I.D. Girl -
Kenny Davisas Referee (1st Robinson Fight) -
Marty Denkinas Referee (Janiro Fight)
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Jimmy Lennon Sr.as Ring Announcer (2nd Robinson Fight/Dauthuille Fight) -
Lou Tianoas Ricky -
Count Billy Vargaas Ring Announcer (3rd Robinson Fight)
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Peter Savageas Jackie Curtie -
Peter Petrellaas Johnny -
Noah Youngas Musician #3



