The significance of this film not only lies in past popularity. It is a reputable depiction of American politics surrounding organized labor. That is a simple classification. What I find so important, is the late Marlon Brando's meandering character- one whose dreams lose ground in the wake of organized crime. While we think of organized labor as critical to protecting worker rights today, this film shows how the absolute power of a few at the top, can wind up leaving people dead; that is in this story, until the police and the church get involved in suppressing the terror. The reluctant hero, in this film, takes a beating - a sensitive soul, now fond of pigeons. But, without fighting in "the ring", like a boxer, with a lot of help from his friends, and victims - organized labor would not really fall; but, it would see a restructuring and hopefully optimism for the longshoremen in NY. Not to be ignored, this film is also about family, community, and love for brother and for sister.