In most cases, a film must be judged by how good its actors make it, but this is one of the rare occasions where it's judged based on how good it makes its actors. The success of On The Waterfront comes from how charismatic and powerful it makes the oft-overrated Marlon Brando. His performance as Terry Malloy in the film, if not a bit over-hammed at times, is the perfect example of the power of one against many, and ultimately redeems the film of its somewhat predictable plot. As the film unfolds, he transforms from just another ordinary dock worker, blindly loyal to the mob running his career, into someone extraordinary - someone who stands up for what's truly right. To say Brando completes the change all on his own would be giving him too much credit - Eva Marie Saint (Edie Doyle) and Karl Malden (the town priest, Father Barry) are equally important to his development along the way. If there's any question as to the film's impact along the way, the final scene will ultimately crush it. It is truly one of the most powerful scenes in film history, and cements the status of On The Waterfront as a film not to be missed.
3.5 stars out of 4
8.5/10
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