The Bridge On The River Kwai
We have been treated to some terrific war movies down the years, and The Bridge on the River Kwai was one of the standout films in this genre this decade.
Released in 1957, the movie saw David Lean back in the director's chair: this film came in-between Summertime and Lawrence of Arabia.
Based on the novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle, The Bridge on the River Kwai follows British soldiers in a Japanese POW camp, who are ordered to build a bridge over the River Kwai.
Not only is The Bridge Over the River Kwai one of the greatest war films of all time, it is also one of the best movies of all time.
First and foremost, The Bridge Over The River Kwai saw Guinness deliver a career defining performance, as he took on the role of Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson. It is one of those turns that you remember long after the credits have rolled
We see many different sides of this character throughout the film, from his strong belief in the military code of integrity to the madness that war ca evoke.
The movie is packed with head to head scenes between Nicholson, and the commander of the war camp Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) - these really are some of the best and most rich moments in the film.
This was really the first big sweeping epic from Lean, and this was a film that really did change the direction of his career: he would go on to helm Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.
So few Second World War movies have endured like The Bridge Over The River Kwai, but it is one that is as powerful, poignant, and excited today as it was when it was first released.
This is a true big screen epic, but it is as much a character study as it is a big action drama. Lean finds the perfect balance between huge unforgettable action moments, and developing characters that intrigue and captivate us.
The Bridge Over The River Kwai went on to win seven Oscars: including Best Picture, Best Director for Lean, and Best Actor for Guinness.
The fifties really was a terrific decade for film, and The Bridge Over The River Kwai was one of the shining stars of that period.