On the Waterfront (1954)

Director: Elia Kazan
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J Cobb

Synopsis:
A former boxer working as a longshoreman runs afoul of his union boss after a coworker is murdered.

Impressions:
This is one of the definitive Marlon Brando movies, for which he won a well-deserved Oscar. That wasn't the only Oscar this film won either. It's highly acclaimed for a reason. At its core, it's the story of a simple mook who's forced to shake off his cloud of obliviousness even though it will cost him dearly. Eva Marie Saint is a good counterweight as Edie and Karl Malden is also good as a priest who grows a backbone as Brando's Terry is growing a conscience. And let's not forget Lee J Cobb as the brutal union boss Friendly. This is one of those culturally significant films that's a must-see. Film buffs are likely to want it in their collection, but definitely give it a watch if nothing else.

Rating:
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