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Movies / On DVD / On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront

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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

[See More Credits]

Reviews for On the Waterfront

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41 - 47 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
Text View | |< << 1 2 3
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A powerful film, featuring one of the greatest performances you will ever see.

Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
10/30/01
Brian Webster
Brian Webster
Apollo Guide

requisite viewing for any student of the art; it is among the best American films

Full Review Source: Film Freak Central | comment Comment
10/29/01
Walter Chaw
Walter Chaw
Film Freak Central

Screenwriter Budd Schulberg's exposé of the corruption in the dock workers' unions won eight Oscars and remains as stirring as ever -- as does the performance of Marlon Brando.

Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
01/01/00
Marjorie Baumgarten
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle

A powerful drama with the flavor of Shakespearean tragedy.

Full Review Source: Flick Filosopher | comment Comment
01/01/00
MaryAnn Johanson
MaryAnn Johanson
Flick Filosopher

It is still possible to feel the power of the film and of Brando and Kazan, who changed American movie acting forever.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
01/01/00
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It's one of those films that can inspire and touch an audience with a unviersal message, move people with an emotional and powerful dramatic storyline, and even get people to forgive anyone who is forced to rat on his friends.

Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews | comment Comment
01/01/00
Ted Prigge
Ted Prigge
rec.arts.movies.reviews

Authentic-looking, powerful film is concerned with the problems of trade unionism, corruption and racketeering.

Full Review Source: Tim Dirks' The Greatest Films | comment Comment
01/01/00
Tim Dirks
Tim Dirks
Tim Dirks' The Greatest Films
 
 
41 - 47 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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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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