Raging Bull

Raging Bull

Year: 1980

Runtime: 129 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Scorsese

BiographyDramaSport

A brutal, self-destructive journey unfolds as a fiery boxer's quest for championship glory collides with his crippling emotional restraint. Love and pride fuel his rise to fame, but unspoken feelings ultimately sabotage his life, sending him hurtling down a devastating path of self-destruction and irreparable loss.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Raging Bull (1980)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Raging Bull (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1940s-1960s

The film spans several crucial years from the early 1940s to the early 1960s, reflecting a post-war America marked by both opportunity and strife. This period saw significant changes in the social landscape, as sports began to flourish, but personal struggles like jealousy, infidelity, and the quest for redemption permeated lives, exemplified by Jake LaMotta's tumultuous journey.

Location

Bronx, Miami, New York City

The Bronx is a vibrant borough of New York City known for its diverse culture and historical significance in the arts and sports. Miami, a coastal city in Florida, offers a stark contrast with its sunny beaches and nightlife, which becomes a backdrop for Jake's later struggles. New York City, the iconic metropolis, symbolizes both the height of Jake's boxing career and the depths of his personal failures.

🏙️ Urban 🏖️ Coastal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

Main Characters – Raging Bull (1980)
Meet the key characters of Raging Bull (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jake LaMotta

Jake LaMotta is a complex character defined by his fierce determination and deep insecurities. As a boxer, he embodies physical strength and tenacity, yet his personal life is marred by jealousy and violent outbursts. His journey highlights the conflict between his public persona as a champion and his private struggles for love and acceptance.

🏅 Boxer 💣 Violent 🤼‍♂️ Determined

Vickie

Vickie is a young woman caught in a complicated romance with Jake, showcasing both innocence and resilience. While she admires Jake's passion, she also suffers from his controlling nature and jealousy. Vickie's struggles reflect the challenges of navigating love in a tumultuous relationship.

❤️ Love 🌧️ Struggle ✨ Innocence

Joey LaMotta

Joey LaMotta, Jake's brother, plays a pivotal role as both ally and adversary. His loyalty to Jake is evident; however, he also provides critical realities about their lives and relationships. As an agent of change, Joey's decisions impact Jake’s career and personal life significantly.

🤝 Family 💡 Realist 🎭 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

Major Themes – Raging Bull (1980)
Explore the central themes of Raging Bull (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Jealousy

Jealousy is a dominant theme in the film, particularly in Jake's obsessive possessiveness over Vickie. His deep-seated insecurities lead to destructive behaviors, impacting both his personal relationships and professional life. This theme is intertwined with the violence and rage that characterize his boxing persona.

🏆 Redemption

The quest for redemption is illustrated through Jake's transformation from a celebrated boxer to a man struggling with his demons. His journey in stand-up comedy signifies an attempt to reclaim his life and find a new purpose. Despite his failures, there’s a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and self-acceptance.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:23

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