‘Masterpiece’ war film hailed one of the best with ‘greatest ending’ | Films | Entertainment

Set during the Second World War, this war drama combines the acting and direction of some of the most well-respected names in Hollywood to create a film that viewers are calling a ‘masterpiece’.

Released in 1957, this war drama still holds up as one of the greats six decades later, and fans of the film have ranked it at an impressive overall 96% on the review site Rotten Tomatoes.

The Bridge on the River Kwai was made just 12 years following the end of the Second World War, and while the story is fictional, it uses the construction of the Burma Railway in 1942 to 1943 as a historical setting.

It’s based on the novel The Bridge over the River Kwai, written by Pierre Boulle, but was adapted to screen and then directed by David Lean, best known for his work on classics such as Oliver, Brief Encounter and Lawrence of Arabia. Although it’s the casting that truly propelled this film to favouritism, with Alec Guinness playing the leading role as Colonel Nicholson.

The story follows a group of British prisoners during the war who endure appalling conditions beneath the harsh rule of a Japanese detention facility in Thailand.

Under the command of Colonel Nicholson, they are assigned the task of building a bridge to aid those they’re imprisoned by to support the Burma-Siam railway. Except they have a different idea, with plans to attempt to sabotage the entire operation.

Meanwhile the colonel endures brutal torture from his captors as the film focuses on these strong characters’ stories and less on the conflict itself. He is obsessed with building a perfect bridge to ensure his men maintain their dignity and morale, but all of it is at risk.

One review describes it as “the best war movie I’ve ever watched”, going on to declare it a “true masterpiece”.

Meanwhile, another person writes: “Powerful, complex, moving, and a unique narrative make this one of the best war movies of all time. Colonel Nicholson is one of my favourite characters of all time. This is truly like watching a Shakespeare play unfold.

“The plot is so complex and for a 1950’s movie it is so ahead of its time. William Holden is masterful as well. Overall, some of the best acting I have ever seen, a wonderful soundtrack, perfectly paced and incredibly ambitious cinematography. The editing is extremely well done as well.”

Joining the cast is a plethora of Hollywood icons from that era, including William Holden and Jack Hawkins, alongside the likes of Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald, Ann Sears, and Geoffrey Horne in supporting roles.

It’s their collective performance that helps bring the story to life and allowed it to receive an impressive number of nominations, taking home seven Academy Awards the year of its release. Now, it features on BFI’s list of the most significant British films of the 20th century, securing the 11th spot.

Another reviewer summed it up perfectly by writing: “One of the greatest and most satisfying endings in all film history.

Meanwhile, someone else said: “Alec Guinness masterclass: control and command in every scene. The last 20 minutes is absolutely awesome.”

You can see the war classic now, as The Bridge on the River Kwai is currently available to rent on both Amazon Prime and Apple TV as well as Sky Store.