Many consider this to be the greatest boxing film ever made, and it’s certainly a skillfully crafted movie where Martin Scorsese demonstrates his abilities as a filmmaker. I wouldn't go so far as to call it his absolute best, but it definitely ranks among his top five films. The story follows Jake “Bull” LaMotta, one of the most well-known middleweight boxers ever, through the complicated events of his career. Back then, professional sports were often run by criminal organizations and involved hidden betting schemes, yet LaMotta managed to rise to the level of champion before his reputation crumbled due to accusations of fixing fights, which led to changes in how competitions were handled for a number of years. The film effectively depicts this journey, but also spends considerable time showing us the violent man who came from very poor circumstances where violence was commonplace and struggled with a marriage filled with constant jealousy. He seemed like someone few people could genuinely like; he ultimately paid the price for his experiences and finally understood what violence truly costs. Given its intensity, it’s clear that children and those easily upset should steer clear of this film. From a technical standpoint, the movie is flawless. The black-and-white cinematography is exceptionally sharp, appealing, well-composed, and precise in its editing. There's noticeable attention to detail regarding the sets and costumes, which smoothly transports viewers through time from the 1940s to the late 1950s; even without being an expert, I didn’t notice any major issues with recreating those eras, and all the props and clothing are of a high standard. The special effects and makeup are seamless, transforming ring scenes into brutal displays that make actual fights seem like graceful dance routines. I'm not entirely certain, but this film, alongside “Taxi Driver,” helped propel Robert DeNiro’s career to a point where he became the major star we know today. The actor fully embodied the character with an impressive level of commitment and dedication. Joe Pesci delivers strong work as LaMotta’s brother, while Cathy Moriarty is quite good in a more understated role portraying someone who is clearly suffering. Frank Vincent and Nicholas Colasanto also contribute elegant performances.

Source on TMDB