"Bridge" Spans Test of Time

Movie Review #16: Bridge On the River Kwai, 1957 I find it hard to get too excited about watching a war film. Generally speaking, I am always expecting the worst from them. Hard. Bloody. Little dialog. However, I have to say that this film did not take me there. It was bright. Beautifully shot. And, full of words...and whistling. It was actually a rather enjoyable film, and not what I was expecting. Do you remember when I said that just when I think a know a film or it's story, I'm surprised to learn that I just only thought I did. I really am learning so much, and experiencing a world of stories that I otherwise would not have known. Alec Guinness is rather captivating as the British commander who stands up to the Japanese Commandant, By not giving in to his demands. However, in standing up for the rules, Guinness ends up helping the enemy and is blinded by the very values that saved him earlier in the film. And, in an ironic twist, William Holden's character, who was a bit lack-luster in the values area, returned to save the day, albeit under duress. I was only a bit saddened by the meaningless loss of life at the end....which made it more of a true to my expectation war movie. If you haven't watched this film, I recommend it. If it's been a while, you might dust it off and take a peek. It's worth a viewing!