8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Fans have just days to watch 'masterpiece' war film with 'greatest ever actor'
The Bridge on the River Kwai is set to leave Amazon Prime Video imminently and fans of the 1957 war film are being urged to watch it now before it's too late
Released in 1957, this war film remains a timeless classic, with critics continuing to regard it as one of the greatest of all time, but it's set to be removed from streaming platforms.
The Bridge on the River Kwai, an award-winning film set during World War II, is hailed as a "masterpiece" by contemporary viewers. The movie boasts an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a plethora of five-star reviews.
Written by Pierre Boulle, who also penned Planet of the Apes, and directed by renowned British director David Lean CBE, the film's success can be attributed to the exceptional collaboration between the creatives and its outstanding cast.
One viewer praised the film on Rotten Tomatoes, saying: "There will never be another movie that approaches this one in ambition and grand scope. The screenplay, acting, location, and setting - it's as if designed by providence. Just brilliant."
Another reviewer agreed, stating: "Not much to say other than that the bridge on the river Kwai is an absolute masterpiece in every aspect.", reports the Express.
A fellow viewer echoed this sentiment, writing: "The best war movie I've ever watched. A true masterpiece!" In the year 1943, a contingent of British prisoners of war, led by the formidable Colonel Nicholson, arrives at a Japanese internment camp in Thailand. However, they're met with brutal living conditions.
Under duress, their Japanese captors instruct them to construct a crucial bridge to support the Burma-Siam railway. But what their captors are not aware of is that the prisoners concoct a clandestine plan to undermine this ambitious construction project.
Colonel Nicholson, in a determined effort to boost morale and fortify his comrades' spirits within the camp, convinces them that diligent work is the path forward. As a testament to his unwavering principles, he endures inhumane torment at the hands of the ruthless camp guards.
In a separate turn of events, Allied forces orchestrate a perilous commando operation that seeks to annihilate the bridge.
Alec Guinness shines as Colonel Nicholson, delivering what is being hailed as a masterful performance. The late actor, who had earned numerous prestigious awards, had earned his reputation as one of Hollywood's finest.
Ultimately knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his remarkable contribution to the arts, Guinness continues to be revered for his roles in several iconic, highly acclaimed films.
A glowing review reads: "Hayakawa, Holden and Hawkins are all superb, but it's the towering performance of Guinness which elevates this movie to classic status and guarantees its place in movie immortality. Once watched, it's a film you will never forget."
The film boasts an all-star cast, with Alec Guinness sharing the screen alongside William Holden, a major box office draw in the 1950s. The presence of these Hollywood heavyweights lends depth and authenticity to the wartime narrative, cementing The Bridge on the River Kwai's status as a landmark film.
Critics have lavished praise on the movie, with one reviewer hailing it as having "One of the greatest and most satisfying endings in all film history". Another critic has described the 1957 epic as "One of the great, action-packed epics of the late 50s".
As the film is set to depart Amazon Prime on July 1, now is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the cinematic masterpiece that is The Bridge on the River Kwai.
