Raging Bull (1980): review: 10/10

 *

The story of Jake LaMotta, boxer, then nightclub owner and stand up comedian.

The film describes the Italian community in New York, its tastes and social structures. It presents the individuals and commercial systems supporting  LaMotta`s rise, as well as his jealousy, inclination to domestic violence, courage, determination and self-pity.

Startling performances wonderfully shot in black and white throughout, maintaining sympathy for the lead: somehow one cannot not dismiss LaMotta despite his huge lapses in character.

Ordinary People (1980): review: 8/10

The troubled son of wealthy Illinois family consults a psychiatrist and starts a relationship with a girl with a mullet hairdo and thick socks.

Featuring The Psychiatrist as Detective (mother is The Culprit, of course): the piece is sympathetically filmed and intelligently acted, indeed is often quite moving, and seems to prefigure more recent slacker films such as "Garden State".

Out of the Blue (1980): review- 9/10

Portrait of an adolescent girl whose father has recently returned from prison.

The film describes, with beauty, the girl's relationships with her mother, her father and peers, all of whom are variously selfish, immature or imbalanced.

She attempts to find release in punk and by wandering in the city.

Strong performances in a film which manages seriousness while avoiding portentousness.