On The Waterfront on DVD (1954)

And the 'Greatest Actor Ever (Past, present and future)' Ocar goes to.... Marlon Brando

Irfan Lamba from England, London , 01/12/2004

Most people hate Brando in this role and call him nicknames such as 'mumble mouth' and what not. However, these criticisms are all rubbish. Brando easily confirms his status as the greatest actor of his generation and beyond. He highlights his ability to convey the paradoxical meaning in a character through Terry Malloy in such a way, that we as the audience, are almost drawn into the film. It is as though Brando is expressing his every thought aloud to us. Again, he improvises in much of the scenes, including the famous 'I could've been contender' speech which was all Brando and not directed by Kazan. A true classic masterpiece... hate to say it... but mainly due to Brando himself in his unforgettable role as Terry Malloy.

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A Film You Cannot Refuse

klauski from west sussex , 01/11/2004

This has to merit top marks, not only because it is a highly watchable and powerful film, but also because of it's landmark status in film history.

Acting on screen was never the same again after the phenomenon that was Marlon Brando. He ushers in a type of heightened realism, a million miles from the more stylised and mannered work of such mega stars before Brando as Spencer Tracy, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda and Gary Cooper. And just watching him in this movie makes you aware of what a debt is owed to his style of playing by Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and practically everyone who has come after them.

This extraordinary revolution in acting style is matched by the wonderful location photography, again a long way from the artificial Hollywood sets which defined cinema in the US up until then. Add to this a great script, sure-footed direction, and wonderful support across the board from Eva Saint, Lee J Cobb, Karl Malden and, memorably, Rod Steiger in the unbelievably moving taxi cab scene.

The story itself is nothing new, being in some ways an updating of the 1930s Warner crime sagas, but the hard edge of the politics and the corruption give the film a new slant. Brando's ability to convey sexuality and vulnerability marked him out as a key interpreter of America's post-War discovery of youth and rebellion against conformity.

In it's way, a true Hollywood masterpiece.

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Mesmerising....

Andrew from Scotland , 23/07/2004

performance by Marlon Brando in one of his best films. Although the films looks slightly creaky around the edges you can still see the sheer power of Brando's screen presence shining through, and he is ably supported by the other cast members.

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Handsome#1 from YORK , 21/03/2004

'I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody, isnstead I'm just a bum!' This movie has so much style and it's so old fashioned none of today's superstars could act like they do here, a superb example of the genre.

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Believe the hype

A customer from London, England , 19/07/2005

After watching the Godfather many years ago I didn't think I'd see a finer performance from Mr Brando. I only recently watched On the Waterfront and for once am able to say that all the hype surrounding a film is warrented. It is simply one of the finest films ever made.

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Classic

A customer from Aberdeen , 21/08/2008

What's not to like about this film? Not many of today's movie stars can command so much on screen charisma as Brando does in this film. The story itself is not too complex, regarding the murder of a man by the local dockside 'mafia' and the role Brando plays in instrumenting the murder. The subsequent love Brando finds with the dead guy's sister though is particularly unnerving at first but blossoms in a strange but captivating way. Old fashioned, yes; black and white, yes, but aren't they some of the best films made? You have to see it

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