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on August 15, 2017
A classic WWII movie, and an interesting exploration of psychology. Great acting, location, and cast. One of my favorites.
on January 23, 2011
What more can be said about this movie? It is a classic, possibly one of the greatest films ever made. On the whole the storyline is rather simple, but the way it is told; how it is captured on film and the riveting acting it contains, makes this film far more tha a "classic" movie.
When I first saw this movie at about the age of ten projected at the local library on 16mm film, I laughed at Alec Guinness' portrayal of Col. Nicholson, I thought he was playing a very funny character. Many years later, I now believe that Alec Guinness' tremendous performance, probably the greatest of his magnificent career, is the greatest comic performance ever. I'm sure many will condemn me for saying this, some will say, "Wow, he's missed the point," or whatever, but I stand by my evaluation. Since my first viewing of this movie, I have learned things about its filming and Alec Guinness that I feel proves my point.
David Lean, must get much of the credit of this glorious film. The look, the feel, and the actors' performances were all tempered by Lean. The film is a masterpiece of story telling, with great performances by Jack Hopkins, William Holden, Sessue Hayakawa and of course Guinness, this film is still amazing after all these years.
The Blu-ray edition looks pretty good, but the Special Features are somewhat lacking. They do have about an hour long making of documentary, but for a film of this extraordinary quality, it could have used some better behind-the-scenes features. Roll out some old interviews with Lean, Guinness or others, whatever, but more than what they have. All the same I give the film and blu-ray 5 Stars!
When I first saw this movie at about the age of ten projected at the local library on 16mm film, I laughed at Alec Guinness' portrayal of Col. Nicholson, I thought he was playing a very funny character. Many years later, I now believe that Alec Guinness' tremendous performance, probably the greatest of his magnificent career, is the greatest comic performance ever. I'm sure many will condemn me for saying this, some will say, "Wow, he's missed the point," or whatever, but I stand by my evaluation. Since my first viewing of this movie, I have learned things about its filming and Alec Guinness that I feel proves my point.
David Lean, must get much of the credit of this glorious film. The look, the feel, and the actors' performances were all tempered by Lean. The film is a masterpiece of story telling, with great performances by Jack Hopkins, William Holden, Sessue Hayakawa and of course Guinness, this film is still amazing after all these years.
The Blu-ray edition looks pretty good, but the Special Features are somewhat lacking. They do have about an hour long making of documentary, but for a film of this extraordinary quality, it could have used some better behind-the-scenes features. Roll out some old interviews with Lean, Guinness or others, whatever, but more than what they have. All the same I give the film and blu-ray 5 Stars!
on September 1, 2017
Very entertaining, often exciting movie. A classic with scope, and plenty to think about.
on September 4, 2017
Great movie. I love old movies like this. I wanted the Blu-Ray.
on January 20, 2017
Hard to find video of one of my favorite movies. Glad Amazon had it available at such a good price.
on August 24, 2017
Great acting and a great story. What more could you want?
on July 28, 2017
Great war classic. Fantastic acting. A must see film.
on June 4, 2017
just a good old war flick worth watching again
on February 3, 2012
This is a story of an intense struggle between the fanatical determination of a Japanese POW camp commandant (Sessue Hayakawa) and its senior ranking English POW officer (Alec Guinness) who is every bit as fanatical.
William Holden plays the only American in the camp and manages to escape early in the film.
The POW camp is set on the River Kwai (the film is shot in Ceylon) with the mission to construct a railroad bridge within a certain timeline. The commandant is reluctant to shoot or even punish disobedient prisoners because he needs every man to complete construction of the bridge. Alec Guinness understands the commandants situation and gets concessions that undermine the code of this proud Japanese commandant.
William Holden manages to return to the sight of the bridge with Jack Hawkins and several satchels of plastic explosive to provide a sad but surprise ending to this great story.
William Holden plays the only American in the camp and manages to escape early in the film.
The POW camp is set on the River Kwai (the film is shot in Ceylon) with the mission to construct a railroad bridge within a certain timeline. The commandant is reluctant to shoot or even punish disobedient prisoners because he needs every man to complete construction of the bridge. Alec Guinness understands the commandants situation and gets concessions that undermine the code of this proud Japanese commandant.
William Holden manages to return to the sight of the bridge with Jack Hawkins and several satchels of plastic explosive to provide a sad but surprise ending to this great story.
