Here is a film gritty, harsh, and violent, but also curiously compassionate and courageous. Here Marlon Brando gives the performance of his career, as Terry Malloy, pawn of a vicious mob boss. Here Elia Kazan takes a film shot in a violence-ridden location (cast and crew actually needed police protection) and makes it into a thing of beauty. This is must-see cinema, folks, although some violence makes it unsuitable for under 13. Though the violence isn't constant or gratuitous, when it does show up it hurts. Main characters are killed, shot, impaled, and crushed. One character is shot, and his body is hung on a fence for others to see. Many characters get in fights, and, in the end, the main character is bloodied up very badly. The main character is a good role model: though he initially makes bad choices, his guilt drives him to become a better, more responsible person who risks his life for justice.
On the Waterfront
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Raises important issues about the nature of power.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of On the Waterfront was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that this movie raises some important issues about the nature of power.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how Joey's jacket is worn by three different characters. What do you think that means? What do you think of Edie's ideas about what makes people "mean and difficult?" Do you think that applies to Johnny? How does Johnny get power? How does he lose it?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on On the Waterfront
What’s the Story?
ON THE WATERFRONT is the story of the men who had the courage to stand up to the corrupt longshoreman's union, which is controlled by Johnny (Lee J. Cobb). One of Johnny's top aides is Charley (Rod Steiger), whose brother Terry (Marlon Brando), a former prize-fighter, is treated almost like a mascot by Johnny -- he makes sure that Terry gets the best work assignments. After Terry unwittingly contributes to the death of a man named Joey, who dared to speak out about union corruption, Joey's sister Edie (Eva Marie Saint) goes to local priest Father Barry (Karl Malden) for help. Father Barry sets up a meeting to talk about what's going on, but everyone is too scared to speak up. Finally a man named Dugan (Pat Henning) agrees to talk, but tragedy strikes again. Meanwhile, Terry and Edie fall in love -- but Terry's troubles are just beginning.
Is It Any Good?
On the Waterfront contrasts two conflicting ways of looking at the world and especially at responsibility. Edie and Father Berry see a world in which people have an obligation to protect and support each other. Johnny sees the world as a place where what matters is taking as much as you can. Terry is somewhere in the middle, with his kindness to the Golden Warriors and his pigeons on one side and his willingness to take what Johnny's way of life has to offer on the other. In part, Terry falls in love not just with Edie, but with the vision of another life that Edie represents. Like Edie, Terry is inspired to fight back by a tragic death.
This movie also raises some important issues about the nature of power. At the beginning, Johnny seems very powerful, and power matters more to him than money. But it is clear that the choices he makes to protect that power, more than any action taken by anyone else, are the beginning of the end. As he orders people killed, even close associates, he begins to appear desperate. The men who will kick back a few dollars and stay "D&D" about corruption won't stand for that level of violence and uncertainty.
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Elia Kazan
Run time: 108 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1954, DVD release: 1/23/2001
MPAA Rating: NR
Run time: 108 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1954, DVD release: 1/23/2001
MPAA Rating: NR
Our Members Say
See all 3 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great Cinema!
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
-
I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
