This movie was a revelation to me. I had always thought of Marlon Brando as an old, heavyset guy who was overrated. That changed with this movie.

I now see why Marlon Brando is one of the most revered actors to ever make a movie. This performance as Terry Malloy just totally blew my mind. He plays a young, naive guy who is an ex-boxer and a go-along to get-along type of good natured fellow.

His brother is Teamsters Union thug, named Charlie, played by Rod Steiger.

One night, Terry is used to lure another guy to his death. He has no idea about what he is doing, it relates to his pet pigeons, a hobby, he shares with the murder victim.

When Terry realizes what he has done to Joey (the unseen victim in the film) he has to process it, in light of the fact that he is falling in love with Joey's sister, played by Eva Marie Saint.

Karl Malden plays a neighborhood priest, trying to break through the gangster atmosphere of the neighborhood on the docks. At first, Terry doesn't listen, but gradually he does and he tries to do the right thing, always the right thing as he sees it.

anyone who wonders why Marlon Brando is considred one of the greats. After seeing this performance, I have no question that he is.

that this movie surprised me. I went into it thinking that it was probably a dumb boxing movie. It was referred to a lot in Raging Bull. I didn't like Raging Bull, but I loved this movie. It was not boring at all and, considering it was made 60 years ago, it was as timely today.

watch more of Marlon Brando's early work.

is outstanding. Lee J. Cobb makes a menacing Union Gangster leader type. Rod Steiger as Terry's brother is amazing. Eva Marie Saint and Karl Malden are outstanding, too. It is just a wonderful film with astonishing performances.

it is very good. It won Best Picture and Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. I could see why it won all those Oscars. It took me by surprise, because I was expecting a boxing movie. It is not a boxing movie - it is an anti-union gangster movie.

This movie has the line, "I Could'a been a contender!" that Brando's character says to Rod Steiger. It is a heartbreaking moment because it is brother confronting brother about what the elder brother has done to his life. It is powerful and sad.

I never thought I would rate Marlon Brando as one of my favorite actors, but this movie changed the way I see him. It is one of the best acting performances I've ever seen in all my time watching movies.

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Created Mar 14, 2015 at 10:12am • Submit your own review...