AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 31


Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

Jake La Motta: I remember those cheers / They still ring in my ears / After years, they remain in my thoughts. / Go to one night / I took off my robe, and what'd I do? I forgot to wear shorts. / I recall every fall / Every hook, every jab / The worst way a guy can get rid of his flab. / As you know, my life wasn't drab. / Though I'd much... Though I'd rather hear you cheer / When you delve... Though I'd rather hear you cheer / When I delve into Shakespeare / "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse", I haven't had a winner in six months.

Raging Bull (1980)
Original List Position: 24
Starring: Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci
Director: Martin Scorsese
About: Scorsese is one of the great American directors. He has a few films on this list. Raging Bull, his 1980 boxing classic in black-and-white, is one of those films. I love the performance from De Niro and the way the film is put together. It is one of Scorsese's iconic films, and one that I enjoy. That's why it lands here, just outside the Top 30. It was No. 24 on the original list, relatively close. But it jumped all the way up to No. 4 on the revised list. I get the love and respect, but it's not quite as high for me.

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