Raging Bull (DVD 2000)

Widely regarded as one of the classic films of all time, "Raging Bull" certainly is a cinematic masterpiece. Filmed in atmospheric Black and White it is mean and moody from the opening sequence of a lone boxer warming up in the ring, to the final scene of the "On the Waterfront" monologue, and is definitely a film that challenges more than entertains.
In short the story is the film-biopic of middle weight world champion Jake La Mota, charting his rise and fall both in the ring and in his personal life. Jealous to the point of paranoia La Mota is certainly not a particularly nice character and refreshingly the film makes no attempt to gloss over any of La Mota's less appealing characteristics. Most of the picture is taken over from a full frontal assault by his arrogant, violence and downright nasty performance and the abuse he dishes out to not only his competitors but to friends, and more importantly, family.

The acting performances are in a word, superb. De Niro obviously fully deserved his Oscar for what is an awesome performance. Full credit to yet another brilliant turn by Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty as La Mota's wife chips in with a fine routine also. Both were nominated for Oscars.

Make no mistakes; this isn't a family fun film, a la Rocky, to watch on a Saturday afternoon. It is dark, depressing, seldom uplifting but remains a compelling film that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go for the complete duration.