I've never seen a boxing film that I could ever consider forcing myself to endure again. I've suffered James Cagney's worst film, WINNER TAKE ALL (1932). I've tortured myself watching Lew Ayres in the utterly atrocious IRON MAN (1931). I've poked red hot needles into my eyes to keep me awake through Chester Morris' excruciatingly boring performance in KING FOR A NIGHT (1933). Doug Fairbanks in THE LIFE OF JIMMY DOLAN (1933) was ok but that hardly sets ones world alight.
OK, there are possibly more modern examples of the genre but I clearly am not a fan of boxing films. So why is someone like me who thinks 1937's a bit modern reviewing RAGING BULL? Because it's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
This has possibly is the greatest example of cinematography in the history of cinema. Although the boxing scenes are the most brutal and hideous images imaginable which are totally mesmeric, it's the scenes of everyday life which are utterly awe inspiring. This is a true work of art. The characters Scorsese creates to inhabit his savage world give this a rare authenticity, a voyeuristic glimpse into a fascinating reality which few of us would ever want to experience. De Niro's character is however so hideous that watching this is not an enjoyable experience but an experience so engrossing that you'll want to stand up and applaud at the end.
OK, there are possibly more modern examples of the genre but I clearly am not a fan of boxing films. So why is someone like me who thinks 1937's a bit modern reviewing RAGING BULL? Because it's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
This has possibly is the greatest example of cinematography in the history of cinema. Although the boxing scenes are the most brutal and hideous images imaginable which are totally mesmeric, it's the scenes of everyday life which are utterly awe inspiring. This is a true work of art. The characters Scorsese creates to inhabit his savage world give this a rare authenticity, a voyeuristic glimpse into a fascinating reality which few of us would ever want to experience. De Niro's character is however so hideous that watching this is not an enjoyable experience but an experience so engrossing that you'll want to stand up and applaud at the end.