WISE Score
Avg. Tomatometer
Robert De Niro transforms into the self-destructing Jake LaMotta in a black-and-white masterpiece that treats boxing like a blood-soaked opera.
92%
Raging Bull isn't a 'fun' watch, and it's definitely not a 'boxing movie' in the vein of Rocky. It is a grueling, beautifully shot autopsy of a man's soul.
For a teenager interested in the craft of filmmaking, this is essential viewing. For a family movie night, it's a disaster. It is a masterpiece of 20th-century art that remains as uncomfortable and powerful today as it was in 1980.
This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults. It requires a high level of emotional maturity to process the domestic abuse and the sheer nihilism of the protagonist.
The film is a deliberate study of toxic masculinity, domestic abuse, and self-destruction. It models almost no positive behavior, which is precisely the point of the character study.
Scorsese's use of black-and-white cinematography, distorted sound design in the ring, and innovative editing remains a benchmark for creative filmmaking.
Extremely high levels of visceral ring violence and deeply disturbing domestic battery. The language is constant and aggressive.
As a piece of art, it offers profound insight into jealousy and the human ego. It is a mandatory text for anyone interested in film history or high-level performance.
If your kid is a budding cinephile, they’ve likely heard of Raging Bull. It’s the film that defined the Scorsese-De Niro partnership and changed how movies are edited. But parents should know that this isn't an underdog story. Jake LaMotta is not a hero; he is a paranoid, violent man who pushes away everyone who tries to help him.
In modern Marvel-style movies, violence is clean and consequence-free. In Raging Bull, every punch feels like it’s breaking a bone. The sound design uses animal noises and screeching birds to make the ring feel like a jungle. Outside the ring, the violence is even more claustrophobic. The scenes of Jake’s jealousy toward his wife, Vickie, are masterclasses in building dread.
Despite being over 40 years old, the film doesn't feel 'dated' because of the black-and-white choice. It feels timeless. It’s a great entry point for discussing toxic masculinity without using the buzzwords—you just see it on screen in its rawest form. If you're going to watch this with a teen, be prepared for a heavy debrief afterward. It’s a movie that demands you talk about it.
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