An emotionally self-destructive boxer's journey through life, as the violence and temper that leads him to the top in the ring, destroys his life outside it.
Did you know? In 1978, Martin Scorsese was at an all-time low due to a near overdose resulting from an addiction to cocaine. Robert De Niro visited him at the hospital, and told him that he had to clean himself up and make this movie about a boxer. At first, Scorsese refused (he didn't like sports movies anyway), but due to De Niro's persistence, he eventually gave in. Many claim (including Scorsese) that De Niro saved Scorsese's life by getting him back into work. Read More
In 1978, Martin Scorsese was at an all-time low due to a near overdose resulting from an addiction to cocaine. Robert De Niro visited him at the hospital, and told him that he had to clean himself up and make this movie about a boxer. At first, Scorsese refused (he didn't like sports movies anyway), but due to De Niro's persistence, he eventually gave in. Many claim (including Scorsese) that De Niro saved Scorsese's life by getting him back into work.
Robert De Niro went through extensive physical training in preparation for his role, then entered in three genuine Brooklyn boxing matches and won two of them.
When the real Jake LaMotta saw this film, he said it made him realize for the first time what a terrible person he had been. He asked the real Vicki LaMotta "Was I really like that?". Vicki replied "You were worse."
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