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Plot:
Marlon Brando's famous "I coulda been a contenda" speech is such a warhorse by now that a lot of people probably feel they've seen this picture already, even if they haven't. And many of those who hav...( read more 
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On the Waterfront Recent Reviews
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Recent Reviews
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MCT:October 30, 2008There are 2 aspects I don´t like from this film: 1) I have watched a part, and it seems to me the old story of a man against the colective, not much new, even for that time; 2) it has always been said that this film was the vision that Elia Kazan wanted to give about the conflict in Hollywood during McCathysm and why he dennounced some people to the anti-American Activities Committee. In that case, it would seem to me a pathetic way to cover his coward attitude. However, I must say I liked the mythical scene of "I could have been a contender", and it´s probable that, if I watch the film completely, I can feel better the high pressure the main character is forced to, what is likely the best point of the film.
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MCT:October 23, 2008This was a very inspiring story of how one man can make a big difference and help fight corruption. Great acting from everyone. This is a really good movie.
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MCT:October 10, 2008Hollywood's traditional glossy veneer is stripped away, by director Elia Kazan, to reveal a bleak and gritty drama, surging with an intensity that brings the harsh reality of life "On the Waterfront" into sharp focus.
The camera sits perched on the rooftops, surveying all before it, the stark black and white photography casting a critical eye over the unrefined landscapes and crude décor of the New Jersey docks.
The striking austerity of each frame is contravened by the rich tones of everyday life; the mechanical drone, emanating from the docks, infringes upon many scenes, contributing to a tangible atmosphere indicative of the seedy and impoverished lifestyle.
Underworld infiltration has torn through the fabric of the community's fragile existence, condemning them to a moral wilderness where Johnny Friendly flourishes, feeding off their fear and desperation.
Lee J. Cobb consumes the screen with a suitably boisterous performance as the mob boss, chewing on every line of dialogue and spitting out venomous barbs, as he rules over the docks through intimidation and ruthless violence.
Marlon Brando is on Oscar winning form as Cobb's blunt weapon, Terry Malloy. He delivers a nuanced performance that conveys a misguided and conflicted soul, imprisoned in a cage constructed from his own insecurity and loyalty to his brother, Rod Steiger.
However, the luminous Eva Marie Saint is the fragile figure of his salvation, carrying forth a voice of love and kindness that opens his eyes to the sea of corruption washing over his livelihood. Her purity and faith stir his conscience, inspiring the virtuoso Brando to stand with his brethren against the malignant decadence that has infected his neighbourhood.
Karl Malden is equally brilliant as the local priest, who preaches morality and justice, but also incites the passion with which it must be earned. He infuses power into Saint's ideals and is the catalyst for this riveting story that builds to a memorable finale. -
MCT:October 8, 2008I knew Brando was an amazing actor, and this adds to my knowledge. I wasn't particularly interested in this and didn't know it was really about the mob (I thought it was about fighting, since all you hear about it is Brando's "contender" speech). I almost fell asleep twice since a lot of the scenes were talking, and I thought there was going to be more action. You can't alway get what you expect, though. Not bad overall.
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MCT:September 17, 2008
Great film with a great Marlon Brando and also a very good performance by actress Eva Marie Saint. In this film, the pressure not to "rat" on your "friends" is beautifully shown and it also captures perfectly the strength of the mob, which is poverty.
Comments
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itbegins2005posted 98 days ago
