The Bridge on the River Kwai (Limited Edition)

Media:	DVD
Directed by:	David Lean
Starring:	William Holden, Alec Guinness
Release date:	21 November, 2000
List price:	~~$27.95~~
Our price:	$20.23 that is 28% off!

The Bridge on the River Kwai (Limited Edition)

Average rating: Stars

Still my favourite

I can't name my favourite book - there are too many. But my favourite film has to be this. Principally and am attached to its depiction of Sri Lanka including waterfalls, rivers and a sense of jungle even if some of the film was filmed in pretend jungle in bontanic gardens. I think this film is so incredibly well packaged and the script is so good and the visuals are stunning - that I can return to it again and again.

The criticism is that this film does not relate any reality. Those who want to know about the real Bridge can go to Thailand and do their own research.

This is principally an entertaining "war" film all about face, principles, the British Empire, life in the army with a not unsympathetic portrayal of the Japanese general who in reality would have represented a more brutal oppressor.

Everything about this film resonates with something you can connect with in daily life:

"Without rules commander there would be no civilisation"

"We're under the heel of a man who'll stop at nothing to get his way"

"As for me, I'm just a slave, a living slave"

"someone deserves a medal sir!"

Some excellent speeches and a panoramic look at Life and Sri Lanka, captured at a time a little more pristine than at present. Extrodinary climax at end with tremendous camera shots for a 50s film. Brilliant!

The Bridge on the River Kwai (Limited Edition) - William Holden, Alec Guinness

The Bridge on the River Kwai

War films dont get better than this. Top-notch acting, authentic atmosphere and a brilliant script add up to grand adventure and powerful human drama. Both Holden and Guinness (who won Oscar) are memorable, as is Sessue Hayakawa, as the tough-but-honorable Japanese commander.

William Holden, Alec Guinness - The Bridge on the River Kwai (Limited Edition)

Hollywood distorts history once more

This film is an attempt to sensationalize one of the most horrendous atrocities of WWII in the Pacific Theater, namely, the building of the 'Death Railway'. The film underscores the fact that thousands of Allied POW's died at the hands of the Japanese in building their strategic railroad through southeast Asia. Many of the charactors and events depicted in the movie are utter fiction, and thus has no place in my collection. For a more accurate account, read Clifford Kinvig's book 'River Kwai Railway'.