Best of the Letter "O:" On the Waterfront (1954)

"You don't understand!  I coulda had class.  I coulda been a contender.  I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it.  It was you, Charlie."

Classic scene, perfectly acted.  But there's another scene that rises above as my favorite:

Father Barry stands up from performing last rites for Dugan, then looks up at the mob of workers and begins to preach: "Some people think the Crucifixion only took place on Calvary.  They'd better wise up!  Taking Joey Doyle's life to stop him from testifying is a crucifixion.  And dropping a sling on Kayo Dugan because he was ready to spill his guts tomorrow, that's a crucifixion.  And every time the Mob puts the pressure on a good man, tries to stop him from doing his duty as a citizen, it's a crucifixion. And anybody who sits around and lets it happen keeps silent about something he knows that happened, shares the guilt of it just as much as the Roman soldier who pierced the flesh of our Lord to see if he was dead."
A call then rings out from above "Why don't you go back to your church?"
The priest's voice roars up with righteous anger as he points to the body at his feet, "Boys, THIS is my church!  And if you don't think Christ is down here on the waterfront you've got another guess coming!"

I LOVE this movie.  Perfectly written, beautifully filmed, flawlessly directed, with iconic performances from some of the 50's greatest actors -Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee Cobb, and Eva Marie Saint in her first feature role.

This is a movie our country needs today, the reminder that corruption, short money, and violence to protect power always tears everything and everyone down.  This is also the movie Hollywood needs to remind them how to make a good film with real heroes and believable villains.

Inspiring.  Exceptional.  A work of genius and beauty.  Do not miss it; On the Waterfront is the best film you can see that starts with the letter "O."

Entertainment: 8/10
Artistic Value: 10/10
Technical Merit: 10/10

Overall: 10/10


Runners up for the letter "O:"

• O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
• The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)