On the Waterfront (1954, dir. Elia Kazan)

What a powerful, gritty, and visceral film this is.  In response to his critics who denounced him for naming names before the HUAC in 1952, Elia Kazan answered with "On the Waterfront".  It is a reaction to the corruption found within unions, particularly dockworkers' unions and champions its protagonist, Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), a former prize-fighter who stands up against all the treachery and testifies against the wayward union boss, Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb). 

Murder for being a rat is the name of the game.  The film opens with the murder of young Joey Boyle by the mob.  Terry feels guilty because he lured the youngster into the trap, unaware that it would lead to his death.  Boyle's sister is Edie (Eva Marie Saint) who is drawn to Terry despite the complications that arise from his past associations.

The acting is incredible.  Brando is at the top of his game as the conflicted Malloy, whose throttled compassion and anger is always on the verge of exploding.  The whole cast is top notch:  Karl Malden as the priest, Father Berry; Rod Steiger as Charley, Terry's brother and henchman to Johnny; and Marie Saint are all impeccable.   So are the many other supporting players in this lifelike film.

One of the most famous and powerful scenes takes place between the brothers, Terry and Charley.  Terry laments over the past and the fact that he "could have been a contender" as a boxer.  It is a heart-breaking exchange and highlights the tenuous bond between all siblings and the loyalties at stake in the world of organized crime.

This is a film that contains real soul and character.  In its true-to-life depiction of life on the streets and docks of 1950's New Jersey, it paints a picture of a specific time and place that is both compelling and beautiful to behold.