The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

The critic highlights this as one of the most enduring Second World War films, commending its examination of the stiff upper lip and the central performances, especially Alec Guinness as Colonel Nicholson. The ironies of war are effectively pointed up by the subplot involving William Holden's character.

The film focuses on individuals rather than broader rights and wrongs of war, showing how men cling to military discipline and pride. It singles out Alec Guinness's performance as Colonel Nicholson for its dry, reserved intensity and the central irony of his obsession with building the bridge.

The critic sees the film as a study of human will embodied in Colonel Nicholson, praising its subtle exploration of the irrationality of honor and British class hypocrisy while maintaining a thrilling war narrative. They single out the effective use of natural sounds and ambient audio over music to build psychological tension and suspense.

The critic praises the film's skillful, suspenseful WWII adventure and its elegant shuffling among three perspectives, along with the peerless action filmmaking of the bridge assault. A minor complaint is the overwrought dialogue from one character that slightly dilutes the grandeur.

The critic calls it a proud and accomplished war movie with lavish cinematography, meaty performances and a psychologically complex script, highlighting Nicholson's gradual breakdown into madness and Guinness's legendary performance as the indefatigable Colonel. It is described as possibly Lean's most complicated movie and a towering work.

The film demonstrates the limitless potential of cinema, gaining from wide screen and color, with brilliant direction by David Lean and a standout performance by Alec Guinness as the inflexible British colonel. It singles out the ironic contrast between the beautiful Ceylon scenery and the tragedy of war, while noting a flaw in the cryptic finish.

The picture is an adult blend of comedy, romance, satire, melodrama, and tragedy rather than primitive derring-do, with praise to spare for the cast and direction. It singles out the exciting commando journey and lovely Ceylon scenery, along with strong performances especially from William Holden.

The film is a powerful, classic anti-war drama with provocative intellectual levels and brilliant direction. It singles out Alec Guinness's masterful portrait of the British colonel for its depth, power, and subtle revelations of snobbery and folly.

The gripping drama is expertly put together with skill in all departments and elevates to an artistic and financial triumph through engrossing entertainment and memorable scenes. It singles out Alec Guinness's unforgettable portrait of the British officer for its tremendous power and dignity.

The critic finds the film overly long despite its spectacle and grand cinematography, but praises Alec Guinness's magnetic performance as Colonel Nicholson and the compelling battle of wills with the Japanese colonel. The subplot involving William Holden's character feels like a studio-mandated addition that doesn't add much.