On the Waterfront (1954)

Not seldom great actors are remembered not by their best roles, but the ones that went out into theaters at just the right time for a certain generation, like did "On the Waterfront". Mid fifties were the time of changing in the Hollywood and some fresh, new faces were hitting the big screen, bringing the spirit of rebellion with them. Brando fitted like a glove in that surroundings, earning his first nom, and so did the movie, winning a total of 8 ''oscars", including all the major ones. However, the movie itself brought ''just'' an ok story, some good grim atmosphere and trademark Brando acting. Taking that into consideration, the praise it earned was somewhat overacted, since both Kazan, Brando and Malden had better movies. ''On the waterfront'' was maybe an important movie in its time, but now represents just a solid social drama.

You would think the equilibrium for cinema would be more than a mere one two punch sort of combo, that for a great film to be made it'd be required that it would master a number of things, not simply make sure it contains a couple things.Here, Marlon Brando plays the sensitive big man, ex-prize fighter. The whole idea of the film is there's a mafia in town that's forcing an omerta city-wide and a few like a priest or others are standing in its way calling it out for its oppressive ways. So far, nothing revolutionary. Brando and Eva Marie Saint and the other actors all do a really good job at their roles. So far, we're at standard level.Brando is linked to some key members of the 'mafia' mob including the big boss and tries to help out Saint's character, who's lost her brother earlier in the film. So he's torn between trying to help her out from goodness of heart and purity, and keeping his mouth shut; this is a major crucial theme in the film: you're either a "D n d (deaf and dumb) or a "canary" (a squealer).The film is basically a constant strain between silence and speaking out the truth, but at no moment, despite the dramatic climaxes and attempts to draw in the viewer, is that theme explored in an interesting or particular light; we're just given these most obvious, common narrative and theme which are fine but by no stretch of the imagination anything unique or above 'good' in quality.So as explained earlier in this text, sometimes you just need to put a couple of things together: good acting, an obvious but engaging theme, with a mafia-type environment. The film is well constructed enough, but not anymore than an endless myriad of others.6.5/10.

Terry Malloy is a dockworker. He was a very promising boxer until, upon instruction, he deliberately took a dive. His career never recovered. The waterfront is run my Union/mob boss Johnny Friendly and Terry's brother Charley is his right-hand man. Terry tries to not get involved in the skulduggery, and also keeps his mouth shut when the law intervenes. However, his conscience is pricked when he becomes involved with Edie, the sister of a man Johnny had killed (an event Terry had a minor, non-forewarned part in). Friendly gets wind of Terry's change of heart and now Terry's life is in danger.Great movie, an absolute classic. Solid, gritty plot. Good direction by Elia Kazan.Marlon Brando gives one of the greatest performances in cinematic history - the Best Actor Oscar was very well deserved (this after being nominated each year for the previous three years). Supporting cast are great too - four of them got supporting actor/actress nominations - Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, Lee Cobb and Rod Steiger - and Eva Marie Saint won an Oscar.The movie itself won the 1955 Best Picture Oscar, plus seven other Oscars including Best Director for Kazan.

ON THE WATERFRONT is a film that is based on a true story about union violence and corruption among port workers. Unusual, strong and very exciting story of informers who worked for the Mafia. The head of the trade union is linked to the Mafia and happy in his control of the docks. The police know that he was behind a series of murders, but witnesses pretending to be deaf and dumb, and accept their humiliating position rather than risk shame and betrayal. One docker in the end decides otherwise ...In the film, there are ideological, religious and political aspects. However, the true drama of crime and disadvantaged workers is not compromised. The atmosphere is quite authentic. Maybe it clearly define the class division, but it is not in this case topics. The film is somewhat controversial because it casts a dark stain on the very important aspects of life. It is fascinating that, despite everything, there is a story within a story. The main protagonist in the struggle with his own conscience.The fight against corruption and romance is definitely not fit. This is evident, and Mr. Kazan has tried to replace the classic romance with a strong passion. Dialogues are honest, at times brutal and concise. Together with excellent acting, they are the strongest elements of the film.Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy in the role of one amoral, uneducated and arms worker. He knows in life only two sides. Of course will join the one that would give him a livelihood. Character that is inhibited in any way. The realization of love, awakens his conscience. The change in the character is extraordinary. Between boxing and pigeons is real life.Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle is an excellent choice for the role of the daughter of an old employee and sister of murdered popular dockworker. It in this film gives a feeling of true tenderness and sensitivity. Karl Malden as Father Barry is a very strong character. The voice of reason. Religious influence in the story for me is redundant. However in this case is extremely strong this moral and human effects. Religious worker who is more devoted to their community (or even individuals) rather than God. It already makes sense. Lee J. Cobb as Michael J. Skelly aka "Johnny Friendly" is an effective villain. Rod Steiger as Charley "The Gent" Malloy, only one scene is enough to find and confess all weaknesses.In any case, a great movie, somewhat suggestive and quite intriguing with many different points of view.