The Bridge On The River Kwai

1 9 5 7 (UK)

A superb war drama distinguished by magnificent acting and direction and an out-of-the-ordinary approach to its subject. Alec Guinness stands out as the determined British commanding officer captured by the Japanese.

He spurs his men to construct a railway bridge in Burma for their captors to maintain morale and demonstrate British engineering superiority; then he can't bear to see his own creation blown up by his own side.

The film (based on Pierre Boulle's novel) is blessed with gripping action, suspense, and a compelling script that bristles with ironies.

It deservedly cleaned up at the Academy Awards, receiving Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director (Lean), Best Actor (Guinness), Best Screenplay (based on material from another medium); and Best Cinematography (Jack Hildyard).