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Created Oct 10, 2010 01:54AM PST • Edited Oct 10, 2010 01:55AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Perfect 5.0

   30 years since its release, Martin Scorsese’s depressing yet brilliant classic Raging Bull remains one of Hollywood’s crown achievements and an essential film in the legendary director’s arsenal. The story, cinematography, and acting remains just as compelling as it was 30 years ago. As Scorsese suffered from a drug problem around the time Raging Bull was made, many believe had it not been for this film being the wake up call to Scorsese, he wouldn’t be around making the films he’s famous for today.

   Raging Bull is a biopic focusing on the rise and fall of boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro at the top of his game). It starts with a young Jake in 1941, who fights with the help of friend/brother/manager Joey (Joe Pesci, in a strong performance). He soon falls for girl next door Vicki (Cathy Moriarty, who seems small compare to who she has to work with), whom of which he marries. Jake soon goes on a downward spiral of self destruction that leaves him nothing in the end.

   This is the Citizen Kane of biopics. In fact, I’d probably take Raging Bull as the greatest film of all time over Citizen Kane any day. It is that perfect. On top of that, it’s certainly stood the test of time. The black and white really gives you a “classic film” feeling and it really takes you back to the films of the 1940s. Its almost as though the movie could’ve been made in any decade. Its completely undated.

   Raging Bull is an absolute masterpiece. While not my favorite Martin Scorsese film, its undeniably one of his best. And its still a knock out among all classics.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   De Niro gives the performance of a lifetime as doomed boxer Jake La Motta. He puts so much emotion into his character. While Jake’s a bit of a scum bag, the audience still feels for him as De Niro portrays Jake with a certain compelling appeal.

   Pesci gives a strong and often sarcastic and witty performance. His dry humor really works well here.

   Moriarty was alright as Vicki, but I expected better from someone working alongside greats like Pesci and De Niro.

5. Male Stars Perfect 5.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Perfect 5.0

    The production value is fantastic! Again, the black and white really helps create a very dark and yet (like I said before) “classic film” vibe to the whole thing.

    The fighting is very gritty and extremely violent. The way it goes onto the audience is just horrifying. In that case, mission accomplished!

    The score is very memorable. One of the best.

11. Direction Perfect 5.0

12. Play Perfect 5.0

13. Music Perfect 5.0

14. Visuals Perfect 5.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Horrid 3.9

    Raging Bull should be seen by ages 14 and up. Anyone else, no go.

17. Sex Erotic 3.0

18. Violence Savage 4.5

19. Rudeness Nasty 4.1

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

    Well, considering this is based on a true story…..

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0