David Lean's Best Picture

Rating: 9/10 (7 April 2017)

The Bridge on the River Kwai is a remarkable epic by David Lean, and in my opinion, better than his later work of Lawrence of Arabia. The trials and tribulations of the various people on both sides, trying to make their way through a war and return home with honor, while separated from combat in the confines of a remote POW camp, makes for a gripping tale. It also provides provocative material on leadership and duty.
As a military man myself, it is interesting to see how Nicholson (Alec Guinness in his best performance) attempts to balance and justify helping and serving his men while also subjugating himself to a degree of collaboration with the enemy and gaining personal honor for himself. Saito's struggles in having to swallow his pride and admit reliance upon those he has imprisoned is also fascinating.
The resulting climax of this movie is a spectacular finish to an epic adventure through both the jungle and the human condition. This film is a must see for anyone.