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.
Tools for this page
On the Waterfront
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13. -
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
About On the Waterfront
Parents need to know that this movie raises some important issues about the nature of power.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- 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?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great Cinema!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 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
