Review of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) by Michael C — 06 Mar 2009
Of David Lean's classic epics, I would put Lawrence of Arabia above this, but in no way is that saying this film isn't powerful itself. This story that preaches the dangers that can arise in a sense of duty and honor has been emulated in countless films over several genres, and even 50 years later, the climactic bridge destruction is a breathtaking spectacle that is strengthened even more by classic epic Lean editing.
Rounding out the merits of the film is Alec Guinness's turn as Colonel Nicholson, an honorable, likeable man, who slowly becomes more obsessed with the achievements and craftsmanship of the work he and his fellow P.
O.W.'s are putting out rather than victory against the enemy in the war. Lean could shoot an epic, big budget spectacle like no other directors, and the sweeping landscape shots, amazing naturalistic shots (one shot with literally thousands of birds obscuring the sky really looked cool to me), and the ever-present feeling that he gives you that each of his films is bigger than any story you could ever conjure still engrosses me.
This review of The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) was written by Michael C on 06 Mar 2009.
The Bridge on the River Kwai has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
