Raging Bull

Main Plot

Raging Bull follows the tumultuous life of Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer whose ferocity in the ring is matched only by his volatile personality outside of it. The film chronicles LaMotta's rise to fame as he battles opponents and grapples with his own inner demons. His relentless pursuit of success leads to a series of personal conflicts, particularly with his wife and brother, as jealousy and insecurity take a toll on his relationships. As LaMotta's boxing career peaks, his aggressive nature and inability to control his emotions begin to unravel his life, leading to a downward spiral marked by violence and isolation. The story captures the duality of LaMotta's existence, showcasing both his triumphs in the boxing world and the personal struggles that ultimately define him.

Characters

• Robert De Niro plays Jake LaMotta, a self-destructive boxer struggling with his violent impulses and jealousy, impacting his career and relationships.
• Cathy Moriarty played Vickie LaMotta, the wife of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose tumultuous relationship and personal struggles significantly impact the narrative and Jake's life and career.
• Joe Pesci plays Joey LaMotta, the supportive yet conflicted brother and manager of boxer Jake LaMotta, navigating familial and professional challenges throughout the film.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Raging Bull, the film culminates in a poignant and introspective moment for the protagonist, Jake LaMotta. After a tumultuous career marked by violence, jealousy, and personal turmoil, Jake finds himself in a state of isolation and reflection. Following his retirement from boxing, he struggles with his identity and the consequences of his actions, particularly in his relationships with family and friends. The final scenes depict Jake in a prison-like setting, where he confronts his past mistakes and the emptiness that has resulted from his aggressive behavior. In a moment of vulnerability, he delivers a monologue in front of a mirror, where he grapples with his self-image and the realization that his once-celebrated boxing prowess has left him feeling hollow. This moment serves as a powerful metaphor for his internal conflict and the destructive nature of his life choices. Ultimately, the ending resolves the main conflict by highlighting Jake's internal struggle rather than any external adversary. It connects to the overall narrative by illustrating the tragic consequences of his relentless pursuit of greatness, leaving viewers with a sense of melancholy and reflection on the nature of redemption and self-acceptance.