"I could've been a contender."
synopsis
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Raging Bull chronicles the rise and fall of boxer Jake LaMotta. Known for his ferocity in the ring, LaMotta’s insecurities and jealousy corrode his personal life outside it. The film tracks his ascent to middleweight champion, his self-destructive behavior, and his later years as a washed-up nightclub performer reflecting bitterly on his past.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Robert De Niro’s performance is ferocious and physically transformative — from sculpted athlete to bloated, aging regret. Shot in stark black-and-white, the boxing sequences feel almost abstract, more psychological than athletic. This isn’t a sports movie; it’s a study of self-sabotage and masculine pride. It’s uncomfortable, raw, and uncompromising — which is exactly why it endures.
Not a casual watch. Best alone or with someone who appreciates character studies that don’t comfort you.
Absurdist's Corner
A man who can absorb endless punishment in the ring is undone by insults that exist mostly in his own imagination.
fun facts
De Niro gained significant weight to portray LaMotta later in life.
The film initially underperformed at the box office but is now considered one of the greatest American films.
The boxing scenes were shot with unconventional camera placements to heighten intensity.