Some films are timeless, flawless, unblemished and raw. Critically acclaimed for the screenplay and a performance to remember by a young Marlon Brando, this one is for those who like real, gritty cinema.
The film is reminiscent of 1950s America – fighting for basics, freedom and survival, like the rest of the world. It brings the ruthless flavour of life in the ports and harbour, especially for the downtrodden. While the majority try to despise, deceive and devour, the good eventually turns over for redemption.
Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy is vulnerable, loveable, frightened, feels loyalty to his brother, is a slave to his own desires. Apart from all this, he also has a heart of gold. And that is the soul of ‘On the Waterfront’. He is not your conventional, desirable protagonist who is flashy, chivalrous and takes on the bad guy with fanfare. Yet, he is the most adorable character of all because he is fragile and human.
‘On the Waterfront’ is so culturally, socially relevant even today. It stands against oppression and unfairness, a decree that beholds these values much beyond a particular era or a generation. Perhaps, it is an ode to genuine, worthy, pure, unadulterated cinema – at its best.
@Lifeoholic 