This ‘epic’ film combines the writing of the author behind Planet of the Apes and the directing of one of the most prolific figures in British cinema – and you can stream the entire thing now.
The Bridge on the River Kwai remains one of the greatest war films of all time, 60 years since its release in 1957, and is hailed as a ‘masterpiece’ by fans of the genre. Set against the backdrop of the brutalities of the Second World War, just 12 years after it ended, it’s safe to say its timely production is what’s helped it stay at the forefront of viewers’ minds all these years later.
On the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, the award-winning film has an impressive overall score of 96% based on real reviews. One of those reviews claims: “There will never be another movie that approaches this one in ambition and grand scope. The screenplay, acting, location, and setting – it’s as if designed by providence. Just brilliant.”
Its long-running popularity can be attributed to the combined talents of French author Pierre Boulle and acclaimed British director David Lean CBE, but the real standout of this film is Alec Guinness. Another review says: “Hayakawa, Holden and Hawkins are all superb, but it’s the towering performance of Guinness which elevates this movie to classic status and guarantees its place in movie immortality.”
The actor was in his absolute prime time of cinema when he starred as Colonel Nicholson, leading a contingent of British prisoners of war in The Bridge on the River Kwai. This role, along with a number of his other roles, is listed by the BFI as one of the most important British films of the 20th century, coming in at number 11.
One review says it is “the best war movie I’ve ever watched”, further claiming it is a “true masterpiece”. Meanwhile, a critic wrote: “One of the greatest and most satisfying endings in all film history.”
“Powerful, complex, moving, and a unique narrative make this one of the best war movies of all time,” an impressed viewer shared. They wrote: “Colonel Nicholson is one of my favourite characters of all time. This is truly like watching a Shakespeare play unfold.
“The plot is so complex, and for a 1950s movie, it is so ahead of its time. William Holden is masterful as well. Overall some of the best acting I have ever seen, a wonderful soundtrack, perfect pacing and incredibly ambitious cinematography.”
Set in the year 1943, during World War Two, a group of British prisoners of war are living in ghastly conditions under the strict regime of a Japanese prison camp in Thailand. Led by Colonel Nicholson, the men are tasked with the job of building a bridge, crucial to their captors, helping to serve the Burma-Siam railway.
They have other ideas, with a secret plan to undermine the entire project. As the film goes on, we see the colonel himself withstand severe torture at the hands of the prison guards, but few scenes of the brutalities of war itself.
Many viewers have noted the film’s intelligent choice to show less of the action and more of the men’s stories behind it all. With one person writing: “Extremely well done, especially given this 1957 movie didn’t have the benefits of modern CGI and special effects.
“Great characters and great performances. A war picture without war, instead focusing on the men’s motivations and morality.”
With seven Academy Awards under its belt, it’s no surprise that film buffs are continuing to go back to this 1950s classic. And now you can too, as The Bridge on the River Kwai is available to stream on Amazon Prime, or alternatively on NowTV.