Never go against a "Raging Bull". (1980)

Another movie with De Niro and Pesci? Why not? “Raging Bull” is a film directed by Martin Scorsese which retells the life of middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta (De Niro). Initially I thought it would be like a “Rocky” movie, a few fights with some melodramatic scenes intertwined. And then I watched it and boy was I wrong. Gratefully the movie is more than just “ADRIAN!” and more a fusion between “Goodfellas” and “The Wrestler“.

Being a biographical film, the movie looks at Jake LaMotta’s life from his early boxing career to post retirement. Being dubbed the “Bronx Bull” isn’t an easy name to be coined, but he earned by really showing his opponents no fear in the ring. He could take the beatings and deliver it all back with double the force. As successful as he was inside the boxing ring, his personal life is a whole different story. We watch his rage transfer into his life as he can’t control his anger. Jealous, paranoia and raw anger all fuel his rage.

LaMotta is a bull in and out of the ring.

The movie starts off really emphasizing LaMotta’s boxing career. His style is simple; stay tight, take a few punches, find an opening and let his arms do the talking. And boy does he take in some hits, most of his matches his face swells up like a balloon. But it works for him, his career record of 83 wins in 106 fights with 30 KO’s. And to be the first man to defeat Sugar Ray Robinson is a fight is something I’d yak about.

But this is not why I like the movie all that much. I don’t care for boxing or any forms of sports that deals with judges. But what I did really love is the drama of the movie. Now when I said the movie is a fusion of “Goodfellas”, I wasn’t just talking about De Niro, Pesci and Scorsese. I was talking about the script and watching the protagonist lose everything because he lets his career take over his personal life.

First great movie with the pair of Pesci and De Niro.

The script is fantastic, I’m not sure because it was just a bunch of Yankee’s from the Bronx talking to each other or because of how well the lines captures the characters themselves. Whatever the case, forget about it. LaMotta’s slow decay into retirement isn’t pretty. The man isn’t lovable. He gets jealous of everything; he cheats on his wife, dates a minor, beats her up, disowns his own brother/manager (Pesci) and will even throw a fight for the mafia. He is a regular scumbag, but boy can he fight. Now I always love when Pesci gets angry, his character Joey gets into a few fights of his own, on the streets of course. He always has his brothers back and he’ll use his fist no problem. And yet again the chemistry between the two is outstanding and really makes the movie all the better.

Now the reason I relate this to “The Wrestler” is the fact that I hated the main character. They are low lives that can’t get their life together. Whereas, LaMotta has a career and a successful one, Randy is the exact opposite. And as the two try their best to get their family to love them again, it just won’t happen because they let the temptation get the best of them. It is just depressing to watch these characters lose it all.

Real hard to watch LaMotta throw away his boxing career.

Now the impressive thing about De Niro is how much attention he gives this role. Not only does he work out to really fit the muscular body of LaMotta, but then he loses it all and gets fat to show LaMotta after his boxing career. Seeing one man be in two different physical state in one movie is weird. I hate seeing De Niro out of shape, but again this really just adds to how low LaMotta’s life has sunk. Once a top notch boxer, now an out of shape bar owner banging minors, just gross.

In short, I loved the movie. Showcasing the life of the not-so-perfect Jake LaMotta was painful to watch, yes. But what it also allows for is great drama to be shared between him and the people he is close with. The movie is great to watch with its amazing acting and script. And if you liked “The Wrestler” you should think about watching this.