Powerful Drama

Rating: 10/10 (22 March 2005)

My first remark about the Bridge on the River Kwai is that it is not really "history" or a WWII story, but it is simply set in WWII, taking various general events in that war as the inspiration for this story. Instead, the film, and the novel (not historical account) on which it is based, should be viewed as being about deep, meaningful themes of war and human character rather than an attempt to portray actual events or an action adventure. Many times I have talked to people who entirely misunderstood the entire story, be it in the book or the film. They misconstrued it as an action film/story, looking only at the surface, and thought that the main characters were the guys going to blow up the bridge, or criticized the book for its ending (quite different from the film in one major respect that really doesn't impact either one negatively since both have value).
That said, this film is simply outstanding, despite a few rather minor flaws and the limits of 1957 film technology. Except for the end and the fact that it changes a couple relatively minor characters around in minor ways (probably to make it more appealing to the mass audience), the film excellently and faithfully conveys the themes and issues of the book, providing deep, compelling drama.
The key character is really Nicholson and Sir Alec Guinness is utterly superb in this role. He conveys the man's conviction and character beautifully and I doubt anyone could have done it better. It is the examination of his views and actions that forms the central theme of the story and its examination of human character, the desire to maintain one's humanity or dignity, a battle of wills, etc. The context means that Nicholson's conduct is also ironic (even more so in the novel itself), provoking further contemplation about these themes, the relative value of the characters' goals, good and bad, etc. It is thus beautiful, rich and compelling drama with many layers and facets to ponder. It is one of those stories, in fact, where there is so much going on below the surface that one could easily explore themes that the writer and filmmakers themselves may never have considered.