
Movie spotlight
The Raging Bull
A look back at the life and boxing career of Jake LaMotta. His legendary fights against Sugar Ray Robinson and his notorious brushes with the law are examined.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the turbulent life of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer whose self-destructive tendencies, rage, and jealousy undermine his relationships and career. It explores his rise in the boxing world, his troubled personal life marked by violent outbursts and infidelity, and his eventual decline.
Critical Reception
Raging Bull is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, earning universal acclaim from critics for its raw power, masterful direction, and searing performances. It is particularly praised for its unflinching portrayal of masculinity, violence, and self-destruction, and its innovative cinematography.
What Reviewers Say
A brutal and unflinching masterpiece of filmmaking.
Robert De Niro delivers a career-defining performance as Jake LaMotta.
Martin Scorsese's direction is both viscerally powerful and deeply intimate.
Google audience: Audiences laud Raging Bull as a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience, with particular praise for Robert De Niro's transformative performance and Martin Scorsese's gritty, realistic direction. Many appreciate its honest, albeit painful, depiction of a complex character's life and struggles.
Awards & Accolades
Won 2 Academy Awards (Best Actor for Robert De Niro, Best Film Editing) and nominated for 6 others, including Best Picture and Best Director. Received numerous other awards and nominations from critics' circles and guilds.
Fun Fact
Robert De Niro gained approximately 60 pounds to portray the older, out-of-shape Jake LaMotta in the film. He famously insisted on doing this himself rather than using prosthetic makeup.
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