1957
“The Bridge on the River Kwai,” directed by David Lean, is a good film that holds its audience’s attention despite its lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes. Set during World War II, it explores the lives of British POWs who are forced to build a bridge in Burma while unaware that the Allied forces are planning to destroy it.
The film splits into two intertwining storylines that reconverge powerfully at the end. Alec Guinness delivers a remarkable performance as the disciplined British commander, Colonel Nicholson. Initially, he is resolute in his refusal to participate in the bridge construction, adhering to his principles amidst the chaos of war. However, as the story unfolds, his pride and sense of duty bend to his ego, transforming the bridge from a mere construction project into a symbol of British honor. In some ways I found Guinness’s portrayal similar to Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of his whale, and his work earned him the Oscar for Best Actor.
On the other hand, William Holden plays Shears, a cynical American officer who escapes captivity only to be drawn back into the conflict with a mission to sabotage the very bridge that Nicholson has poured his heart into building. Holden’s sharp, witty dialog stands out, creating a character who embodies a different kind of resilience. It’s surprising that he wasn’t nominated for Best Supporting Actor, as his performance is both memorable and impactful.
Lean masterfully captures the lush jungles of Ceylon, highlighting the stark beauty against the backdrop of war. The cinematography by Jack Hildyard, which won an Oscar, showcases the landscape in a way that makes the setting feel like a character in itself, and at one point I couldn’t help but jokingly compare the Von Trapp family climbing the Austrian Alps to William Holden and his team making their way to the mountaintops.
However, I did find it peculiar that after being imprisoned, Guinness’s character shows little growth in his hair or beard compared to Holden’s disheveled appearance, which seemed inconsistent with the intense conditions of confinement.
In conclusion, “The Bridge on the River Kwai” is a remarkable film that balances its story with themes of pride, duty, and war, while the consistent pacing makes the extended runtime quite manageable to watch.