Raging Bull Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A boxer’s jealousy and rage turn him into a self-destructive wrecking ball, proving that sometimes the only opponent you can’t beat is yourself… and maybe the IRS.

🍿 Raging Bull: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Boxing Career and Personal Turmoil

The film opens in 1941, showcasing Jake LaMotta’s raw talent and violent style in the boxing ring. His relentless drive is evident, but so is his volatile temper, which extends beyond the ring. His relationship with his brother and manager, Joey, is strained by Jake’s paranoia and quickness to anger. This sets the stage for the personal struggles that will overshadow his professional achievements.

Relationship with Vickie and Escalating Jealousy

Jake meets and marries Vickie, a young woman who becomes the object of his obsessive jealousy. His insecurity and unfounded suspicions lead to frequent arguments and increasingly abusive behavior towards her. This escalating conflict mirrors his aggressive style in the ring, highlighting the destructive nature of his rage. The black and white cinematography enhances the starkness and bleakness of their relationship.

Rise to Championship and Self-Destruction

Despite his personal demons, Jake achieves his goal of becoming middleweight champion. However, his success is short-lived, as his self-destructive tendencies continue to sabotage his relationships and career. His paranoia about Vickie leads to a violent confrontation with Joey, severing their bond. This culminates in his downfall, both professionally and personally, marking a turning point in his life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jake La Motta (Robert De Niro): A self-destructive boxer whose rage fuels his success in the ring but destroys his personal life.
• Joey (Joe Pesci): Jake’s loyal brother and manager, who is often caught in the crossfire of Jake’s volatile behavior.
• Vickie La Motta (Cathy Moriarty): Jake’s second wife who endures his abusive jealousy and paranoia.
• Salvy (Frank Vincent): A Mafia connection who complicates Jake’s career and personal relationships.
• Tommy Como (Nicholas Colasanto): A local Mob boss who exerts control over Jake’s boxing career.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jake La Motta: “What’d you do that for, Joey? What’d you do that for?” – Jake repeatedly asks his brother Joey this question after suspecting him of having an affair with Vickie, leading to a brutal confrontation.
• Jake La Motta: “I’m the boss! I’m the boss! I’m the boss!” – Jake chants this mantra backstage before a performance, trying to reclaim his sense of self-worth and control.
• Jake La Motta: “I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it.” – Jake recites this line from ‘On the Waterfront’ in his dressing room, reflecting on his wasted potential and self-destructive behavior.
• Vickie La Motta: “You’re an animal!” – Vickie shouts this during one of Jake’s fits of rage, encapsulating her frustration and fear of his violent nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $23,383,987
• Worldwide Gross: $23,405,883

💥 Raging Bull Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I’ll be honest, Raging Bull isn’t exactly a feel-good movie night pick! It’s intense, brutal, and at times, really hard to watch. But man, De Niro’s performance just blows you away. I remember being completely mesmerized. I felt so many emotions at once – disgust, pity, anger, sadness. And the black and white cinematography just adds this incredible layer of grit and authenticity. The fights are raw, ugly, and just leave you breathless. Honestly, it’s one of those films that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a hard watch but so worth it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro”
  • “Viewers interested in biographical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate classic filmmaking and boxing movies”
  • “People seeking intense and character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Domestic abuse”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Scorsese doesn’t glorify boxing; he uses it as a canvas for a portrait of self-destruction. De Niro’s performance is a tour de force, physically and emotionally transforming himself to inhabit the troubled soul of Jake LaMotta. The black and white cinematography adds a timeless, brutal beauty to the film.
• Janet Maslin: “Raging Bull is visceral and disturbing. Scorsese’s use of slow motion and jarring sound effects heightens the impact of the fight scenes. De Niro embodies LaMotta’s paranoia and rage with stunning intensity, making the character both repellent and compelling. It’s not enjoyable, but undeniably powerful.
• Sight & Sound: “Raging Bull’s reputation as a masterpiece is well-earned. Scorsese’s innovative camera work and Thelma Schoonmaker’s editing create a dynamic, disorienting experience. De Niro’s dedication to the role is legendary, but the film also benefits from strong supporting performances from Pesci and Moriarty.

Audience Reactions

The boxing scenes are unmatched for their raw intensity and brutal realism.: Viewers praise De Niro’s immersive performance and Scorsese’s uncompromising direction.

Cathy Moriarty’s portrayal of Vickie is heartbreaking and equally memorable: Many admire the film’s unflinching portrayal of domestic violence, while others find it disturbing

Overall Consensus: Raging Bull is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film, anchored by Robert De Niro’s transformative performance, cementing its status as a cinematic masterpiece.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1981
2. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1981
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Director – Motion Picture)- 1981

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “To make the blood in the fight scenes show up properly on black and white film, the production used Hershey’s chocolate syrup.”
• “Robert De Niro gained approximately 60 pounds to portray Jake LaMotta in the later stages of his life, a commitment that significantly impacted his health.”
• “Martin Scorsese, struggling with personal issues during pre-production, initially didn’t want to direct the film but was convinced by Robert De Niro, who saw the potential in LaMotta’s story.”
• “The film’s black and white cinematography was a deliberate choice by Scorsese to evoke the feel of classic boxing films and newsreels of the 1940s and 1950s.”

🖥️ How to Watch Raging Bull?

Raging Bull is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for possible broadcast schedules. Physical media, such as Blu-ray and DVD, can also be purchased online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Raging Bull, you might like these similar films:

• On the Waterfront (1954): Both films explore themes of self-destruction and wasted potential, with protagonists grappling with their past choices.
• Rocky (1976): A classic boxing film, it offers a more uplifting and inspirational take on the sport compared to the raw and brutal depiction in ‘Raging Bull’.
• The Wrestler (2008): This film provides a modern, gritty look at the life of a wrestler past his prime, echoing the themes of physical and personal decline found in ‘Raging Bull’.
• Taxi Driver (1976): Another Scorsese/De Niro collaboration that explores the themes of violence, paranoia and self-destruction through a disturbed protagonist.

🛒 Raging Bull Related Products

• Raging Bull (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A definitive edition of Scorsese’s masterpiece featuring restored visuals and sound, plus extensive bonus materials including commentaries, documentaries, and essays.
• Robert De Niro: A Life in Pictures: A photo biography of Robert De Niro’s life and career, featuring rare and iconic images from his films, including Raging Bull.
• Boxing Gloves: Official boxing gloves; a unique and iconic tribute to Raging Bull. High quality and durable
• Martin Scorsese: A Journey: Delve deep into the world of Martin Scorsese with a comprehensive documentary. Explore his creative process and filmmaking philosophy, providing insights into the making of Raging Bull and his other iconic films. A must-see for film students and fans of Scorsese.

🎧 Soundtrack

Raging Bull features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cavalleria rusticana: Intermezzo” – performed by Pietro Mascagni
• “Theme From Raging Bull” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robert De Niro Wins Best Actor: 53rd Oscars (1981)

Witness the iconic moment when Robert De Niro’s intense portrayal of Jake LaMotta earned him the coveted Best Actor Oscar. This clip captures the thrill and prestige of the Academy Awards.

Why Scorsese shot Raging Bull in Black and White

Discover the fascinating reason behind Martin Scorsese’s decision to film Raging Bull in black and white. This enlightening video explores the artistic and thematic significance of this choice.

What’s So Great About Raging Bull?

Delve into a thoughtful analysis of Raging Bull’s themes, techniques, and impact. This video essay offers a fresh perspective on Scorsese’s masterpiece, revealing its depth and brilliance.

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