Review of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) by Josh M — 03 Jan 2010
Given it's vaunted reputation, I have to admit that I was a little let down by The Bridge on the River Kwai. It's certainly not that there's anything wrong with the film - it's a great story about English POWs who are led by their commander through the construction of a bridge for their Japanese captors.
The acting throughout is fine, with William Holden reminding me why I always perk up to see his name in the credits and Alec Guinness bringing surprising depth and character comprehension through his tight-lipped, minimalistic performance.
And there's also no denying how intense the final act is - how slowly the pace is tightened, and how galvanizing the final ten minutes are, and how spectacular Guinness's realization is at the end of the film.
And yet, for all of that, I found myself enjoying the film, but not loving it the way so many others clearly do. I would say that it's too long, but I can't think of much that could be cut (with the possible exception of Holden's recuperation, but then that's less Holden on the screen, and that's no good).
Nor can I point to any one thing and single it out as a flaw. No, it's a great movie, and the three leads all acquit themselves wonderfully, but ultimately I enjoyed it the same way I did a great heist movie - it's a great genre film, and that's about all.
(Feel free to tell me how wrong I am.).
This review of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) was written by Josh M on 03 Jan 2010.
The Bridge on the River Kwai has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
