Year: 1954
Director: Elia Kazan
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Eva Marie Saint
Can you believe that I just watched this classic last week?!
It’s always such a nice surprise to discover something truly good—especially when you think you’ve already seen everything (I couldn’t be further from the truth!). There are still so many films to watch and wonder about. Some are just entertainment, but others stay with you for a long time—you want to talk about them and step back into the world the filmmakers created.
Hoboken, New Jersey—that’s where the action of On the Waterfront takes place. Very quickly, we’re introduced to a world of crime led by Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb) and Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), one of his pawns.
You get pulled in right away. The acting is really good, and Marlon Brando needs no introduction—but maybe you didn’t know he was one of the first actors to bring the Stanislavski system to mainstream audiences. It was the “art of experiencing,” not just the “art of representation.”
Is that what made Brando great?
From the beginning, I found myself liking Terry and watching him struggle internally—trying to belong to the gang, but also wanting to go his own way. A former boxer who regrets his past (I don’t want to spoil too much), now facing a chance to do the right thing.
But the film wouldn’t be the same without the counterforce: Father Barry (Karl Malden). It was refreshing to see a man act like a man—“they used to make good films,” I thought to myself. He stands for what is right and defends it, even at the risk of his life. You can’t help but be inspired by him.
And Terry definitely is.
His transformation is also shaped by Edie Doyle (Eva Marie Saint), whom he begins to grow close to.
Before I spoil the whole story—this film won eight Oscars. That should speak louder than any review. It’s a brilliant film with great storytelling and acting that still holds up today.
There is a bit of violence and some prolonged kissing—just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about watching it with kids.
But overall, this is a film that adds value to your life. A must-watch!
Review
Sexuality & Nudity: 1/10 – Prolonged kissing
Violence: 4/10 – Shooting, fighting, murder
Profanity: 0/10
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: 1/10
Frightening & Intense Scenes: 3/10 – Bitting
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 8/10
Storytelling: 8/10
Catholic Doctrine: N/A
Final rank: A
