Wonderful, one of my favourite David Lean films

Rating: 10/10 (21 November 2010)

I am very fond of David Lean's films especially Lawrence of Arabia, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and Brief Encounter. While not my absolute favourite of Lean's work, it is definitely in my top 5 for him. I have heard it is historically inaccurate, but with everything else so good I didn't actually care that much. Besides I think there are films out there that do a worse job at history(Braveheart being one of the biggest offenders). As usual from a David Lean film, the images, cinematography and scenery are exquisite, and the music is sweeping and grandiose. The story is compelling enough, and the script is intelligent and beautifully written. While long, Bridge on the River Kwai never felt boring to me, while Lean's direction is faultless. I couldn't fault the acting either, everyone was superb but it is Alec Guinness who stands out prominently among the rest. Overall, wonderful, forget the inaccuracy and see it for especially the images. 10/10 Bethany Cox