We can be destroyed but not defeated ...

Rating: 10/10 (7 October 2005)

Bridge in the River Kwai contrasts two different sets of values - One that of an officer in the British Army and the other an officer in the Japanese Army. British Army that believes and adheres to the Geneva Convention, while their opponents, the Japanese Army repudiates the same convention and prefers a more medieval Samurai tradition.
In the face of defeat  we are presented with two choices. Fold and surrender, or rise and face adversity with courage and dignity.
It is also a time to pause and look at our current involvement in a conflict where we (USA) had taken the path of repudiation of Geneva Convention. In so doing, many would regard our actions as have lowered us as a nation.
Bridge in the River Kwai is a reminder that a generation sacrificed much to provide a future with values that we are supposed to uphold. Sacrificing our values is the ultimate defeat. Colonel Nicholson embodies that spirit  that you can be destroyed but not defeated.