Review of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) by Jay L — 24 Jul 2011

"BE HAPPY WITH YOUR WORK...".

Another triumphantly towering wartime epic from Director David Lean (Lawrence Of Arabia). A late 50's classic that was the recipient of multiple Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor. The Bridge On The River Kwai is the harrowing account and film adaptation from Author Pier Boulle's novel where British Prisoner's of War were given the option of death or slavery in the deep dark jungles of Burma. A sweeping and sprawling adventure from a master director, David Lean is a legend, an icon whose films have stood the test of time and continue to rival all of today's and yesterdays best films. It's just a complete masterpiece through and through, a jaw-droppingly realistic portrayal of an epic wartime struggle. A gorgeously shot film that features some of the most beautiful cinematography that's ever been captured on film. A heart-pounding, pulse-racing, searingly intense, mental and visual blast of brilliant filmmaking that will forever live in a legendary haze of awesomeness. One of the best war films ever produced, it's packed with nonstop action and adventure for the duration. A marvelously executed, stunningly breathtaking, thunderously perilous, brilliantly exciting, utterly unpredictable and most of all completely thrilling and entertaining. A razor-sharp cinematic knockout that's flawless in nearly every aspect. Among war films, The Bridge On The River Kwai stands elite. A true classic of cinema.

It features an all-star cast and boasts some of the finest acting that I've seen. Including an Award Winning performance from David Lean regular Alec Guiness. William Holden also gives a spectacular performance throughout. Sessue Hayakawa gives a marvelously menacing performance. Great work from Jack Hawkins a well. Just a well-rounded, supremely brilliantly acted and crafted film that has its own place in cinematic history and glory.