Raging Bull 

Starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Cathy Moriarity

Rated R

            “Raging Bull” is not only the best movie of the 1980’s, it is the most important film made in the last 30 years. It ranks just behind “The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part II” as the best movie ever. This is Martin Scorsese’s finest film.

            Robert De Niro gives his best performance as real-life boxer Jake La Motta, a middleweight with a serious problem of jealously. His brother and manager, Joey La Motta (Joe Pesci) hooks him up with Vickie (Cathy Moriarity), a 15-year old girl who Jake finds himself infatuated with. This begins his long descent into madness – if anyone remotely hits on his wife, they’re finished. Many other events occur, including a prolonged weight problem and the anger and sadness Jake has in his life taken into the boxing ring.

            Anyone who has seen the film knows that it is not about boxing. It is certainly not a story of triumph; if you want soggy victory with your film, try the overblown “Rocky” movies. It is one of the many depressing, dark films of the late 70’s through the late 80’s, which include “Platoon,” “Taxi Driver,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” “Coming Home,” “The Deer Hunter,” and “Apocalypse Now.” Ironically, those are some of the best films of all time, but some audiences couldn’t find room for all that darkness.

            Nevertheless, the 1981 Oscars were a travesty that is never to be forgotten – where was Martin Scorsese’s award? He is the best living director today, and yet he has no Oscar, but Kevin Costner does.

            In conclusion, the journey to seeing great movies should start here. It has the power, the resonance, and the beauty to supply 100 movies. This is De Niro and Scorsese’s best collaboration, although all of theirs are fantastic.

 
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