On the Waterfront, the 1954 film directed by Elia Kazan, depicts the moral development of the main character Terry Malloy. Terry was once a talented boxer with aspirations of success and a goal to make a name for himself. However, Terry’s reliance on the mob, run by corrupt union leader, Johnny Friendly, derailed his boxing career, forcing him to become a longshoreman and low-level member of Friendly’s crew. Terry lacks a strong moral code at the beginning of the movie and is heavily influenced by the corrupt mob. However, after Terry unknowingly plays a role in the murder of his friend Joey Doyle, he goes through a moral awakening. Continue reading