The film is shot on location in black-and-white, semi-docu style, which suits the realistic subject and commonplace characters, particularly Brando's Terry Malloy, the passive dock worker forced to become a crusader-fighter against the union's tyranny
On the Waterfront (1954)
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Reviews Counted:47
Fresh:47
Rotten:0
Average Rating:9/10
Consensus: Considered one of the best American films of all time, Elia Kazan's powerfully sympathetic portrait of working-class Americans boasts a paradigm-shifting performance from Marlon Brando, as well as effectively realistic cinematography and riveting, timeless themes. Hard-hitting, compassionate, and without any significant flaws, On the Waterfront is required viewing.
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Marlon Brando is Terry Malloy, an ex-prize fighter struggling against union corruption along the New York waterfront, in Elia Kazan's film classic. Malloy's battle takes him all the way to the... Marlon Brando is Terry Malloy, an ex-prize fighter struggling against union corruption along the New York waterfront, in Elia Kazan's film classic. Malloy's battle takes him all the way to the witness stand, where he finds himself testifying against union leaders. The film was Kazan's response to his decision to turn in the names of his Hollywood contemporaries during Senator Joe McCarthy's anti-Communism hearings. Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger, and Malden were all nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscars. Academy Award Nominations: 12. Academy Awards: 8, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor--Marlon Brando, Best Story and Screenplay. [More]
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Rod Steiger, Eva Marie Saint
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Rod Steiger, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb, Leif Erickson, John Hamilton, Nehemiah Persoff, James Westerfield, Rudy Bond, Fred Gwynne, Martin Balsam, Pat Hingle, Barry Macollum, Tiger Joe Marsh, Pat Henning, Tony Galento, Tami Mauriello, Don Blackman, Arthur Keegan, Abe Simon, Jere Delaney, Thomas Handley, Anne Hegira
Director: Elia Kazan
Director: Elia Kazan
Screenwriter: Budd Schulberg
Composer: Leonard Bernstein
Producer: Sam Spiegel
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Reviews for On the Waterfront
It is all the more grim and hard-hitting because of the steel-gray look of cinematographer Kaufman's startling, neo-documentary approach.
An uncommonly powerful, exciting and imaginative use of the screen by gifted professionals.
A powerful film, featuring one of the greatest performances you will ever see.
Brando and Kazan achieve career bests in this alternately thrilling and moving drama.
Brando made one of his most indelible impressions in this relentlessly dramatic, ever-controversial tale of loyalty and betrayal in the world of working-class unions, first released in 1954.
A hard-hitting but pretentious melodrama about union corruption on the New York docks.
Kazan's classic golden age drama remains a rousing and riveting piece of cinema for anyone who appreciates intriguing characterizations. This legendary story is more than just a hopeful contender.
It is thanks to Brando that this posthumous Popular Front classic is a heart-clutcher from beginning to end.
One of the best acted efforts to come out of Hollywood during the 1950s.
It's hard to deny that Marlon Brando's performance as a dock worker and ex-fighter who finally decides to rat on his gangster brother (Rod Steiger) is pretty terrific.
Latest News for On the Waterfront
June 22, 2007:
AFI Announces Top 100 Movies of All Time ... Again
Ten years ago the AFI gave us a list of the Top 100 American Films Ever Made -- and when that was done they churned out 15 other lists every few years. And then last night they... More...
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