WARNING: Spoilers. The cliff-hugging tracks and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys are well captured in the David Lean movie. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks. 15 of 18 people found this review helpful. The line passing through the scenic Three Pagodas Pass runs for 250 miles. Spectacular light and sound show is the highlight of the festival. The Bridge On The River Kwai $3.99 $13.99 Playback Region 2 : This will not play on most DVD players sold in the U.S., U.S. The real history of how the railway between Burma and China was built, including the bridge, is a horrific story. You've probably seen the 1957 move The Bridge On the River Kwai, but you might not know how much of the film was real and how much was fictionalized. This train journey allows tourists to see the famous Bridge River Kwai and the historical places as well as enjoy the bewitching beauty of the rugged mountainous region. Thanks Best Buy! The present bridge has two of its central spans rebuilt. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. It is an anti-war film which prevents itself from becoming static or preachy, and an action film with a humanist edge.The problem presented to David Lean, aside from the fact that he had never done anything on this scale before, is that Michael Wilson and Carl Foreman's multi-layered screenplay contains many different strands, with stories told from multiple points of view. The Bridge on the River Kwai, one of the greatest films ever made, is given the appropriate reverential treatment by Columbia TriStar on the two-disc DVD of director David Lean's World War II prisoner of war epic that netted seven Oscars.For a film nearly half a century old, the transfer on the first disc is absolutely gorgeous. Most hotels are located here. In the middle of World War II, two prisoners of war are burying a corpse in the graveyard of a Japanese POW camp in southern Burma. You'll enjoy a traditional buffet lunch and commentary on the dark history of the area. Is 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' based on a book. These platforms are useful as viewpoints and for avoiding trains. This allows crossing the railway bridge on foot. The reality is that the production company was able t… THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI takes place in Japan-occupied Siam (later Thailand) in 1943, after the Imperial Japanese Empire has conquered vast territories of Asia. Charlie Chaplin was British. The majority of its smaller components are originals, while a few are post-war replacements. Showing all 30 wins and 8 nominations. The line passing through the … Those with own vehicles may use the newly constructed expressway from Pinklao. Hayakawa was an incredibly powerful silent film actor – check him out in De Mille's The Cheat (1915) – and it's great to see him at the top of his game again here.Bombarded with awards, Bridge on the River Kwai is typical Oscar-winning fare, particularly for the conflicted political climate of the 1950s. Three sections of Bridge River Kwai were destroyed. That's a shame with such a good cast, although Alec Guinness in one of his earliest non-comedic roles shone through enough to garner an Oscar. "Bridge on the River Kwai" posted by tinear on May 16, 2021 at 16:05:22: In America, it is always about the money - who put up the money to get the film made? The Bridge over the River Kwai (French: Le Pont de la rivière Kwaï) is a novel by the French novelist Pierre Boulle, published in French in 1952 and English translation by Xan Fielding in 1954. Another 2,000 are laid to rest at the Chungkai Cemetery. Every year, River Kwai Bridge Festival is organized to mark the Allied bombing on November 28, 1944. "Bridge on the River Kwai" Posted by RGA (R) on May 16, 2021 at 18:31:17 . Bridge over the river kwai map Kanchanaburi Thailand. (1957). Their instinct is to sabotage the bridge, but under the leadership of Colonel Nicholson they're persuaded the bridge should be built to help morale, spirit. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Two grifters team up to pull off the ultimate con. When British POWs build a vital railway bridge in enemy-occupied Burma, Allied commandos are assigned to destroy it in David Lean's epic World War II adventure THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI. Two Americans searching for work in Mexico convince an old prospector to help them mine for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Certificate: Passed This broad appeal, the depth of the screenplay and Lean's assured direction made it a hit in its day and allowed its popularity to endure in the generations since. Over a muddy jungle river called Kwai, a Japanese colonel, Saito (Sessue Hayakawa), must complete a railroad bridge vital to Japan's war effort. As we descend through the trees, Lean gradually turns up the heat with those dusty yellows and browns. Charlie Chaplin was British. William Holden was also deserving of at least a nomination, but didn't get one. If you are planning to stay in Kanchanaburi and visit nearby places, hiring a tricycle is the ideal choice. During WW II, Japan constructed the meter-gauge railway line from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat, Burma. A naive man is appointed to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate. Begun in October 1942, using prisoner of war (POW) labour, it … Train services from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi starts from Bangkok Noi Railway Station. During WW II, allied POWs in a Japanese internment camp are ordered to build a bridge to accommodate the Burma-Siam railway. adamgamer570. What is interesting to note that in the film, the Japanese guards do not use Arisaka rifles. Lean fortunately had dealt with such fragmentary narratives before – 1952's The Sound Barrier for example – and here he actually uses the trappings of the epic to keep the narrative focused. The railway line was meant to transport cargo daily to India, to back up their planned attack on India. A small tourist train runs back and forth across the bridge. Title: River Kwai Bridge Kanchanaburi Thailand Kanchanaburi, in Myanmar border, is home to the famous Bridge River Kwai. Their instinct is to sabotage the bridge, but under the leadership of Colonel Nicholson they're persuaded the bridge should be built to help morale, spirit. Comment. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Awards. Was this review helpful to you? You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. This is now known as the Death Railway. This reminds us of his presence, and subtly keeps his story arc going.Lean's use of colour is also remarkable. Comedy. The Bridge on the River Kwai, commonly referred to as the Railroad of Death or Death Railway, which stands in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, was one of only eight steel bridges of the estimated 688 that were built. During WW II, allied POWs in a Japanese internment camp are ordered to build a bridge to accommodate the Burma-Siam railway. Boulle based his novel, published in 1952, on his own … alfiehitchie. Instead they are seen using Lee-Enfield No. Verified Purchase. Let our editors help you find what's trending and what's worth your time. The novel deals with the plight of World War II British The rest were made of wood and local materials. Special trains run from Bangkok for tourists during weekends. Play trailer with sound 3:07 British POWs are forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors, not knowing that the allied forces are planning to destroy it. Alec Guinness was not present at the awards ceremony. From The Way of the Dragon to Minari, we take a look back at the cinematic history of Asian/Pacific American filmmakers. Jean Simmons accepted the award on his behalf. The Bridge on the River Kwai The True Story of the Bridge on the River KwaiOne of the most misunderstood events in history. David Lean's The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) is a brilliant triple character study set during World War II. Doubtless the film will be shown once more on television, this time to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of … In Reply to: American? The classic story of English POWs in Burma forced to build a bridge to aid the war effort of their Japanese captors. A shrewd examination of the brutality of war and the duality of man in conflict. The 1957 movie Bridge on the River Kwai may be one of the most famous war movies ever made, winning seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor for Alec Guinness. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. At first, the prisoners admire Nicholson when he bravely endures torture rather than compromise his principles for the benefit of Japanese Commandant Colonel Saito, but soon they realise it's a monument to Nicholson, himself, as well as a form of collaboration with the enemy. 1 Mk III*rifles! The story is fictional but uses the construction of the Burma Railway, in 1942–1943, as its historical setting, and is partly based on Pierre Boulle's own life experience working in Malaysia rubber plantations and later working for allied forces in Singapore and Indochina during World War II. At first, the prisoners admire Nicholson when he bravely endures torture rather than compromise his principles for the benefit of Japanese Commandant Colonel Saito, but soon they realise it's a monument to Nicholson, himself, as well as a form of collaboration with the enemy. The Bridge on the River Kwai escaped planned bombing, and remains in place in Kanchanaburi as a tourist attraction and functioning railway bridge over which trains pass daily. An in-depth examination of the ways in which the U.S. Vietnam War impacts and disrupts the lives of people in a small industrial town in Pennsylvania. The Bridge on the River Kwai spends most of its considerable running time puffing up a romantic image of the British gentleman soldier, presenting an organized, highly capable military man who handles ever situation—even time as a prisoner of war—with civility, decorum, and perseverance. An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses. A laid back Southern man is sentenced to two years in a rural prison, but refuses to conform. "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) is one of the few that focuses not on larger rights and wrongs but on individuals. The Bridge on the River Kwai Kanchanaburi Thailand. Spike from the Burma Railroad For the middle section of the film, he cools things off again with more lush greens and even some vibrant shades, before returning to the stark hot tones for the tense finale. Helpful (0) Unhelpful (0) Report. The original parts of the bridge are now displayed in the War Museum. Sites visited include the Bridge over the River Kwai, the World War II Museum, the Allied War cemetery, the death railway, and others. The majority of its smaller components are originals, while others have been used in restorations over the years. Prior to this most anti-war or anti-military pictures were small-scale dramas, whereas all the big war films were rousing flag wavers. The train further passes through the old POW camps. Territories, Canada, and Bermuda. Written by Kanchanaburi's famous Bridge on the River Kwai and the beginning of the Death Railway is a poignant reminder of the thousands of POW's and forced laborers who lost their lives in the Second World War. Chris Taylor, a neophyte recruit in Vietnam, finds himself caught in a battle of wills between two sergeants, one good and the other evil. Explore the highlights of the River Kwai area in Kanchanaburi on a single day tour. Tourists can use this time to sightsee and take photographs. During WW II, Japan constructed the meter-gauge railway line from Ban Pong, Thailand to Thanbyuzayat, Burma. On Saturdays and Sundays, the train leaves Bangkok at 6.30am. It spans a whole new world of entertainment! … In the opening moments, highly reminiscent of The African Queen (which, like Kwai, was produced by Sam Spiegel) he begins with the greens of the jungle – a fairly cold colour. Although the river posing as the Kwai in the film may have made for a more photogenic location, the strong currents nearly claimed several lives. Crime, Certificate: Passed Allied Forces bombed the iron bridge in 1944. During shooting of a scene in which a Japanese soldier falls from the bridge, stuntman Frankie Howard was swept away by the strong current, as was prop technician Tommy Early when he dove in after Howard. Kanchanaburi Town is located 128kms to the west of Bangkok. IT WAS LOOSELY BASED ON REAL EVENTS. The track is developed into a walkway with side platforms. After a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge. Previously having made his mark as a director of deep and often psychological dramas, Lean's easy transition into bigger pictures reflects the change that was taking place in the genre itself, moving from the grandiose spectacle of De Mille et al, towards the "intimate" epic of the late 50s and early 60s.We are also here seeing the development of the war, or rather, the anti-war picture. For example, in the scene where Nicholson (Alec Guinness) surveys the railway construction with his fellow officers, the figure of Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) can be seen on a hill in the background. However, make enquiries regarding the rates and conditions at Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Kanchanaburi, to avoid being duped Kanchanaburi. referring to Col. Saito, who had a machine gun brought up to threaten Col. Nicholson and his officers, Oscar nominee profile: Steven Yeun (‘Minari’) has already made history with this nomination, 366 Feature Films Are Eligible for the Oscars, the Most Since 1970, Best Picture Winners at the Golden Globes and Oscars, 30 Oscar Winners Who Didn't Attend the Ceremony, My Best Musical Score Oscar Winners (1950-1969), Oscar Best Picture Winners Made on the Cheap, Best Adapted Screenplay Winners in IMDb Top 250. Allied prisoners of war plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II. It is believed that one life was lost for each sleeper laid in the track. Like Robert Graves' World War I memoir, Goodbye to All That, it shows men grimly hanging onto military discipline and pride in their units as a way of clinging to sanity. Both air condition and non air condition buses are available throughout the day for the three hour journey. The Bridge on the River Kwai escaped planned destruction and remains in place in Kanchanaburi as a tourist attraction and functioning railway bridge over which trains pass daily. One of the all-time great war films, THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI is yet another classic from the marvelous David Lean (LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, DR. RE: American? Regular buses ply the route from Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. British POWs are forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors, not knowing that the allied forces are planning to destroy it. The life of a Russian physician and poet who, although married to another, falls in love with a political activist's wife and experiences hardship during World War I and then the October Revolution. The Bridge on the River Kwai in 4K is a must see. “The Bridge on the River Kwai ” is a gripping drama, expertly put together and handled with skill in all departments. At the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, around 7,000 POWs, who sacrificed their lives in the railway construction, are buried. Bridge River Kwai is a tourist destination now. A manipulative woman and a roguish man conduct a turbulent romance during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods. But the reality was a bit different than the movie. Again, this is all very subtle director's work, but these touches do create little shifts in mood and influence the way we view each scene.Lean's handling of the larger canvas was however not yet quite up to best showing off his actors upon it. This was the first time he had used the cinemascope aspect ratio, but rather than employing it purely to show off the stunning landscapes (although he does do a fair bit of that too, and why not?) Academy Awards, USA 1958 Winner Oscar: Best Picture Sam Spiegel: Best Actor in a Leading Role Alec Guinness. View production, box office, & company info. This full day guided tour from Bangkok also includes a visit to … The Bridge on the River Kwai – David Lean's first epic, a genre he would later be associated with more than any other. The Bridge River Kwai became famous all over the world, when it was featured in movies and books. Bridge on the River Kwai ticks both boxes, and is all the more effective for it. To my mind though the best performance of the picture was that of Sessue Hayakawa. Use the HTML below. Drama, Certificate: Passed Kanchanaburi- this is the area's main town, with Allied war cemeteries. It can be read as a damning critique of war, but also enjoyed as a gripping action film. The updated timings for buses and trains are available at Tourism Authority of Thailand offices. Train crossing the wooden bridge which spanned the Mae Klong River (renamed Kwai Yai River in 1960). This review is from The Bridge on the River Kwai [Includes Digital Copy] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray] [1957] I would recommend this to a friend. His plans promptly collide with political corruption, but he doesn't back down. The Bridge on the River Kwai is a 1957 British-American epic war film directed by David Lean and starring William Holden, Jack Hawkins, Alec Guinness, and Sessue Hayakawa. Of course, when your film is set in a PoW camp in the middle of a jungle, you have a fairly limited colour palette anyway, but Lean's crafty choice of camera angle and positioning is calculated to show off different tones at different times. he also uses the width of the screen to cram varying elements into the frame. It stops at Bridge River Kwai for 10 minutes. Motorcycles and jeeps are also available for hire at rental shops located at Saeng Chuto Road and Song Kwai Road. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Plot Synopsis. Adventure, Certificate: GP Then the movie dedicates its final moments to detonating its own stiff upper lip. Due to the difficult terrain, thousands of laborers lost their lives. The story of T.E. 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