Muscular, powerful human drama.
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
Religion and social action finally meet in Hollywood a great film for many reasons, but its most enduring asset may be the young Brando.
A hard-hitting but pretentious melodrama about union corruption on the New York docks.
It is all the more grim and hard-hitting because of the steel-gray look of cinematographer Kaufman's startling, neo-documentary approach.
There's something uncomfortably humbling about reviewing a movie that is textbook-perfect.
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.
An uncommonly powerful, exciting and imaginative use of the screen by gifted professionals.
What's most amazing is to realize that the most important moments of this is something that director Kazan allowed the actors to improvise. Some of the best scenes, including the "contender" scene is all from the heart.
Marlon Brando delivers one of his strongest performances here as Terry Maloy, the flawed hero of this riveting drama.
Brando and Kazan achieve career bests in this alternately thrilling and moving drama.
One of the best acted efforts to come out of Hollywood during the 1950s.
This movie contrasts two conflicting ways of looking at the world and especially at responsibility.
A powerful film, featuring one of the greatest performances you will ever see.
requisite viewing for any student of the art; it is among the best American films
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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