324. Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Directed by David Lean

Synopsis

Club Med Thailand leaves much to be desired.

Review

What a great film. David Lean is a pretty amazing director and then he had the fortune of getting some great actors for this. Alec Guinnness is great as always and so is all the rest of the cast. The gorgeous colour cinematography is pretty amazing, making the film look considerably modern.

Another thing that makes the film look quite modern is the amount of detail put into the characterisation of the characters, from dirt to ragged clothing, the set design is equally amazing, not only in the creation of the bridge itself but also in Saito's room for example with all the Japanese elements and the pinup calendar giving it a touch of humour in a thoroughly unhumorous character.

It lasts for longer than 2 and 1/2 hours and it never gets even slightly boring, the film is expertly paced, it is at times very funny due to the completely insane unflappability and flippancy of many of the characters and it ends up giving us a moral lesson on the futility of war and its endeavours. One of the most interesting things is the parallels between Guinness' and Saito's characters, giving you a sense of people who have anything but common sense. An amazing and unmissable film.

Final Grade

10/10

Trivia

From Wikipedia:

David Lean clashed with his cast members on multiple occasions, particularly Alec Guinness and James Donald, who thought the novel was anti-British. Lean had a lengthy row with Guinness over how to play the role of Nicholson; Guinness wanted to play the part with a sense of humor and sympathy, while Lean thought Nicholson should be "a bore". On another occasion, Lean and Guinness argued over the scene where Nicholson reflects on his career in the army. Lean filmed the scene from behind Guinness, and exploded in anger when Guinness asked him why he was doing this. After Guinness was done with the scene, Lean said "Now you can all fuck off and go home, you English actors. Thank God that I'm starting work tomorrow with an American actor (William Holden)"

Trailer: