Memorable, crazy movie

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

Despite a compelling script and a knockout performance from Marlon Brando I wish the film were more inspirational because the message is important. Maybe time has faded its impact. The over-dramatic Bernstein score takes away more than it gives. The irony of this film's being made because its director didn't do what Terry Malloy did- stand up to thugs in authority - leaves me with reservations.

This is a crime thriller that stuns me from the first minute to the last minute. You never know what Terry will do and what will happen to him. The performance of Marlon Brando is his career- best, even better than that in "The Godfather", and one of the best in the cinematic history. Moreover, the movie is still relevant even today. The "conscience vs. ego" and "loyalty vs. betrayal" debates never end.

great performances. great story. powerful message. short - a memorable film. impressive for a young Brando who does an unique role as large embroidery of details - look, voice, gestures, checkered jacket- , for social message, for love story and for something who could defined as precise mixture of force and vulnerability who is, in same measure, touching and convincing and heroic. sure, Elia Kazanț signature is the axis of this great film. and the basic explanation of magnetism and accent to the work of actor more than the story. the violence, the dialogues, the thrill, the scenography of the fight for work are his mark. but , like each of his films, On the Waterfront is more than a great movie. this thing who has not place in the word is the basic virtue of it. sure, it could be defined as emotion or as poetry. but it is only the small piece who rocks entire system of this memorable film.

I admit to knowing nothing about this film other than that it was the movie that Marlon Brando's famous line, "I coulda been a contender" came from. I guess this wasn't also the one where his famous "Stella!" line came from. I didn't know this film won so many Oscars, but it certainly deserves it. It really was interesting going into this movie completely blind and then being amazed at how great it was. I just love the characters in this movie. I didn't even know what the title meant. There's a nice little title drop and it's revealed the film is simply about working on the docks, literally near the front of the water. I live in Florida, you'd think I've heard of that before.The best character is probably the preacher. I just love the use of religious role models in films, particularly with how this guy talks about how we should be loyal Christians. Even as he's getting hit by random objects, he continues to discuss the importance of his beliefs. I also feel like this movie was just the right length. It's actually pretty short for a Best Picture Winner, but there's nothing wrong with that. There are so many genuinely exciting scenes and I totally get the romantic relationship with Terry (Marlon Brando). It's set up and paced very nicely. If you're a fan of well, anything, be sure to check this classic out! ****