Rating: 
Summary: it's a shame it's modified format!
Review: I am disappointed to see this movie in 1:33 aspect, and not in full screen. Why would such a great movie be released in a "modified" format?
Rating: 
Summary: "It wasn't him, Charely, it was you."
Review: Marlon Brando. What can you say about this guy? He's the greatest actor ever. Every single role he plays is at least as good as, say, De Niro in Raging Bull. Except for this one, because this one is the best. Wow. You might have heard the famous "I coulda been a contenda" speech but if you haven't seen the movie, you are missing out on one hell of a ride. I'm 17 years old and I absolutely love this movie. The minute it was over I was seized with a feeling that I had to see it again. The mob hit at the beginning immediately grabs your attention and it doesn't let go until the final credits. Thoughts of the movie will stay with you long after that, however. That's how I think you can judge how good a movie is, by how long you are thinking about it afterwards. This is the story of Terry Malloy, a washed up boxer who now is working on the waterfront, which is controlled by the mob (which was true in real life). Eventually, Terry has to decide whether or not he should go against the mob or just keep his mouth shut and his eyes closed like he had done in the past. I won't say anything more than that, because I don't want to spoil it for you. Just let me say that this isn't one of those movies with a huge surprise ending or dazzling special effects, it's simply a great drama that leads up to an exciting climax and holds you riveted from beginning to end. And to top it all off: the DVD treatment is incredible! It includes a commentary by critic Richard Schickel and Elia Kazan biographer Jeff Young which provides much incite into the making of the movie, a fascinating interview with Elia Kazan, a featurette, and the sound has been digitally mastered! It's not in widescreen, but it wasn't originally shot that way, so that doesn't matter (it was shot in 1.33.1, so full screen DOES preserve the aspect ratio). If you are still unsure, go up to the top of this page, and click on "quotes and trivia" and read some of the dialogue. That's what clinched it for me. And if you don't want to do that, I will leave you with the famous "contenda" speech: Charley Malloy: Look, kid, I -- how much you weigh, Slick? When you weighed one hundred and sixty-eight pounds you were beautiful. You coulda been another Billy Conn, and that skunk we got you for a manager, he brought you along too fast. Terry Malloy: It wasn't him, Charley, it was you. Remember that night in the Garden you came down to my dressing room and you said, "Kid, this ain't your night. We're going for the price on Wilson." You remember that? "This ain't your night"! My night! I coulda taken Wilson apart! So what happens? He gets the title shot outdoors on the ballpark and what do I get? A one-way ticket to Palooka-ville! You was my brother, Charley, you shoulda looked out for me a little bit. You shoulda taken care of me just a little bit so I wouldn't have to take them dives for the short-end money. Charley Malloy: Oh I had some bets down for you. You saw some money. Terry Malloy: You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it. It was you, Charley. Still don't know if you should buy this or not? What's wrong with you, then?!! Go buy it! NOW!!!
Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece
Review: On the Waterfront was, among other things, Kazan's justification for his decision to testify. Being constantly attacked by McCarthysts for his communist's past from one side, and by former fellow-communists for revealing their sympathizers in Hollywood to witch-hunters, Elia Kazan was literally driven to create a film that would justify him. Regardless of whether he succeeded in his own justification or not, Elia Kazan created an intricate and skillful picture of American social struggle of 50s, making his film On the Waterfront one of the highlights of American neo-realism.
On the Waterfront was greatly influenced by Kazan's own life and by his philosophy as well. That's why the film became a powerful melodrama of greed & corruption, of the struggle with compromise and conscience, of loss and redemption. On the Waterfront brought a depressing and critical, but much-needed message about society's ills to the forefront, and was hailed by most critics.
Many elements contribute to delivering the message of the film. For example, the film's dialogue throughout, with the exception of a few of Karl Malden's (Father Barry) clunky lines, manages to be both raw and poetic. The film's cinematography is outstanding as well: I still vividly remember how in the bar sequence cameraman managed to frame Edie's (Terry's girlfriend) pale face and hair in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen, with Brando in lower center, as if a guardian angel is hovering above him.
Still, the most outstanding element of the film is Brando's performance. If there is a better performance by a man in the history of film in America, I don't know what it is. His character is tough, charming and romantic, inarticulate, and struggling with his conscience. There is no reason for you to try and relate to anyone but him, because Brando is the center of the story. All the action and incidents are based around him. What was extraordinary about his performance is the contrast of the tough-guy front and the extreme delicacy and gentle cast of his behavior. What other actor, when his brother draws a pistol to force him to do something shameful, would put his hand on the gun and push it away with the gentleness of a caress?..
Rating:
Summary: on the waterfront 5/5
Review: brando greatest performance..... the best performance by an actor in any movie...... malden, stieger are brilliant in this movie as well.... a must for all movie lovers..... go buy it today.. trust me.
Rating:
Summary: I COULDA BEEN A CONTENDA
Review: WHAT A CLASSIC! THIS IS MARLON BRANDO AT HIS BEST: YOUNG, LEAN AND HUNGRY! NOT TO MENTION, THERE'S ALSO OSCAR - CALIBUR PERFORMANCES BY ROD STEIGER, KARL MALDEN, EVA MARIE SAINT AND LEE J. COBB! DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND CHECK THIS ONE OUT! IF YOU DON'T,YOU MAY BE KICKING YOURSELF ONE DAY AND SAYING, "I COULDA BEEN A CONTENDA"!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best...ever
Review: On the Waterfront is an enduring masterpiece. It stars Marlon Brando in the legendary role of Terry Malloy, who is an ex-prizefighter and is now a longshoreman. On the docks he is D and D (deaf and dumb) to the corruption and murder that surround him. Yet Terry just goes through the motions until he can no longer just plod through his life. His friend Joey is killed by union boss Johnny Friendly and he begins to fall for the dead man's sister, who tries to get him to follow his conscience. This escalates into suspicion by Friendly and the death of his brother Charlie, which forces Terry over the edge to become a "cheese-eater" and tell of the illegal activities that his union is involved in. But, unfortunately, he is blacklisted for threatening the order. This is a tremendous film that is as exciting today as when it first opened, Brando is truly astonishing as Malloy. He really becomes the character. His "I coulda been a contenda" speech is one of the most immortal moments in all of film, and was repeated verbatim in Martin Scorsese's excellent film Raging Bull. Great camerawork and realistic set and wardrobe decoration just pull us into the action. This movie is a must see. Now it is available in a special edition DVD with a load of special features, which makes it an even more collectible item.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing Love Story!
Review: On The Waterfront has to be one of the most gut wrenchingly real films ever created! Kazan paints a stark and often twisted tale of Film Noir with the most important elements taking place in the light while the violence takes place in the dark. But is the script that is the meat and bones of Waterfront and the acting matches it 100%! Now for the love story it's not between Eva Marie Saint; the sister of foreman who was murdered by Brando's "influental" boss but the love story is between Marlon Brando and Rod Steiger! They play brothers Steiger the wanna be king-pin and Brando his not too bright younger brother. As the film unravels we see how Steiger led his brother astray and how loyal and caring Brando is to Steiger even though he knows his brother was only looking out for his own benefits. The infamous "contender" speech inside of the cab between Steiger and Brando turns itself into the ultimate BREAK-UP! Brando's droopy eyes and muddled speech cry out for redemption while Steiger turns his brother's defiance of his intentions into a windstorm of anger and self loathing. To call Brando's character a follower is an undersatement to call him a coward is right on target! Throughout the film you will wonder why Brando took so long to become a true man and if you play the movie back in your mind or even again in the dvd player I think we all would have taken that long as well! In this film with his tweased eyebrows and ultra glossy lips and mole Brando seems to be a fallen angel dropped in an underworld of crime and bloodshed and the only way to get new wings is to confront the demons in this all to realistic slice of modern day hell.
Rating:
Summary: Elia Kazan...genius, wimp or both?
Review: "On the Waterfront" is, arguably, one of the most riveting and thought-provoking films of the 20th century. It marked the half-way point in two important Hollywood careers...that of Brando and of Kazan. Brando finally won an Oscar, which gave him power, and went off on his own, not always making good decisions. Kazan was nominated once more, the following year, for "East of Eden", and then his testimony before the "Communist Witch-hunt" committee denied him a future as a Hollywood icon. I believe "Splendor in the Grass" would've won more awards if his name wasn't attached to it; his last Oscar nomination, for "America America" was deserved, but the Hollywood heirarchy doesn't forget.So here we have somewhat of a conundrum: can it be denied that his genius is apparent, deserving of his recent lifetime achievement award, or should his bad choices of the past cover up his grand body of work? After winning an Oscar for "Gentlemen's Agreement" (1947), followed by "Viva Zapata!" and "On the Waterfront", three films about life-or-death integrity, it makes one wonder."On the Waterfront" is indeed a film of great power; the new DVD transfer is clear and crisp. The acting, without exception, is superlative. (Hard to think of Sinatra in the role, when Brando first rejected it). The script is taut, together and narratively without a seam, thanks to brilliant editing. Kazan's brilliance and sure hand are evident. I guess the bottom line is the fact that, even if you don't like the guy's views or personal profile, his artistic vision can't be denied. This is a great film, and if you have any respect for the fine art of a well-crafted film, this will be in your collection.
Rating:
Summary: The best of Brando
Review: If you need evidence of his greatness, look no further than this crisp production of Brando at the top his his game. Great movie.
Rating:
Summary: AFI top 100-8 Oscars -Best Picture 1954-Best Actor Brando!!
Review: With the famous quote: "I could-ha been a contend-ha. I could have been somebody!!"
AFI (American Film Institute) voted "On the Waterfront" into the top 100 films in the last 100 years. Winner of 8 Oscars including the "BIG 3" - Picture, Director-Elia Kazan and Actor-Marlon Brando. This Remastered Sight and Sound DVD gives us an outstanding Full-Screen Black & White Classic presentation. Fantastic cast - Marlon Brando, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger, Karl Malden And Eva Marie Saint (first starring role).
Shot on location "On the Waterfront" in New York / New Jersey during the winter time. Actually done outside on location!! This added to the realism of the rough neighborhoods surrounding the waterfront.
In Summary: Terry Malloy (Brando) an ex boxer tries to fit into the longshoreman union "On the Waterfront". Treated as a patsy by Union Leader crook (Cobb) and protected by his brother (Steiger) Union strong arm. He is set up in a union troublemakers death. The sister (Saint)of the slain troublemaker and Priest (Malden) try to befriend Terry (Brando) into betraying the corrupt union boss and turning states evidence.
A brilliant cast performs flawlessly (especially the famous "Contender Scene between Brando & Steiger")and shows us the rough, crude world of the waterfront of the 1950's. This DVD is a remastered Black & White picture and sound presented in a Full Screen format. Many extras including "Contender" explain and reveal many background facts regarding this Classic Film.
This movie shows us what was happening "ON THE WATERFRONT".
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