Rating: 
Summary: Top War Film
Review: As war films go, this is the best. Thematically, it balances the bureaucracy and the reality of the military, showing the absurdity of it all. I remember when it first came out. "The Colonel Bogey" theme was EVERYWHERE. Everybody was whistling it. But, ironically, I don't think it made it's point to a lot of viewers. The musical theme became an anthem for the militaristic. They may have seen the film, but they didn't see the film. In my top 10. Must see on a clear day.
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Summary: Don't hestitate! Limited Edition is the way to go!
Review: What prompted me to buy this movie is the fact that it had won 7 Oscars and it was listed on the American Film Institute's #11 best movies of all time. There are two DVD versions in the market. The regular version and the limited edition. I opted for the latter despite the cost because if this is a "very good movie", I wanted to be treated with whatever was on that second DVD and I'm happy to say that this is one hell of a movie!I don't think today's movies can do what was done on "The Bridge on the River Kwai". It's even hard to believe that this movie was made with a two million dollar budget. The movie is brilliant as it tackles two major storylines between two leaders Colonel Nicholson for the English and Colonel Saito for the Japanese. Two fanatics + another (the commando / British Major) who comes later in the story. The movie was brilliantly done and for a movie that was made in 1957, the video was very nice and it's letterboxed and in digital 5.1. You can hear the insects and birds all around you. After you are done with the movie, you are then treated with the nearly an hour documentary on the film which is filled with interesting tidbits such as the problems of making the film to learning how demanding the director was. Very interesting. Also, an appreciation of the film by John Milius (director of "Big Wednesday). The original B&W featurette, a short USC film narrated by William Holden, movie trailers for other movies by the Spiegel/Lean duo, cast information and more. This is an awesome DVD. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!!!!
Review: There is probably not a film of human drama that compares to this. If you haven't seen it, then you must...if you don't own it, you should. A film about stout hearts and courage, honor and especially pride, this is a must see!
Rating:
Summary: The Bridge on the River Kwai - Limited Edition
Review: I recently bought this DVD. It is outstanding, a disk every war movie buff will want to own. At first I was a little leary of the price, but it is well worth it. Besides being a fantastic copy of a first rate movie, the additional features on disk two make it a must have for fans of David Lean's work. For those who only know Alec Guiness as Obi Wan from Star Wars this will give you an entirely new appreciation for his work as well. Incidentally, for anyone undergoing POW resistance training (I've been through the US Air Force course) this movie presents an excellent study of the psychology of captive and captor and how even prisoners are not without power.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece From David Lean
Review: Within the Conflict that was World War II, there were many more smaller, more personal conflicts which, when added up, made a significant impact on the outcome of the War; though trying to explain them, or war in general, is like attempting to decipher the indecipherable. In "The Bridge On the River Kwai," director David Lean takes you deep into the Burmese jungle to examine some of these deeper conflicts, and the effects of extraordinary circumstances on some ordinary men: British Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is a man of rigid principles and ideals, to whom acquiescence in any quarter is not an option; Japanese Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa) lives by an inflexible code of conduct and is adamant in his adherence to it, through which he maintains his dignity and honor; American Navy Commander Shears (William Holden) just wants to make it through the war alive and get back home. As an integral part of their war effort, the Japanese have ordered a strategic bridge to be built across the Kwai River to facilitate the transport of troops and equipment. This monumental task has been given to Saito, the commandant of an allied prisoners-of-war camp; and not only must he build it, it must be completed by a specific date. And time is short. Toward that end, Saito has pressed into service every prisoner, including officers, whom according to the Geneva Convention of 1864 (which established rules for the humane treatment of prisoners of war), are to be excluded from any manual labor. When a fresh contingent of British prisoners arrives to bolster his complement of workers, Saito finds himself up against a formidable opponent, Nicholson, who immediately informs Saito that his officers will not work, in accordance with the rules of the Geneva Convention. And it's the beginning of another war-- a war of wills-- between two men determined to win at any cost. To Saito, this is more than just another assignment, it's an obligation, and failure is not an option. If he does not succeed in having the bridge built-- and on time-- he will be forced to take his own life, in accordance with his own moral code. Nicholson, on the other hand, is unyielding to the point of madness, and will die before he accedes to Saito's demands. Meanwhile Shears has managed by some miracle to escape and has made his way back to Ceylon. And he's home free-- after some recuperation time at Mount Lavinia Hospital, he'll be on his way back to the states. Or so he thinks. But unbeknownst to him, the British are aware of the bridge being built on the Kwai, and are planning a commando raid to destroy it. And Shears has something they need: First hand knowledge of the precise location, and of the jungle through which he made his miraculous escape. Subsequently, the Navy agrees to "loan" Shears to the British, to aid them with their mission. So instead of a ticket home, Shears is faced with another arduous trek through an uncompromising jungle, all for a mission of which the odds against success are nearly incalculable. From the beginning of the film to it's spectacular climax, Lean builds and maintains a subtle tension that underscores the drama, which makes this a compelling, unforgettable motion picture. Lean is the Master of epic films such as this, filling them with sweeping visuals while integrating them with the emotional involvement of his characters perfectly. Lean knows what he wants and how to get it, and he takes a terrific story (and this definitely is one) and tells it by using every bit of space--visually and audibly-- at this disposal. And most importantly, he knows how to get the kind of performances from his actors to put it all across so convincingly and believably. Alec Guinness deservedly received the Oscar for Best Actor for his role of Nicholson, whom he embodies from the inside out, disappearing so utterly into the character that the actor is forgotten, leaving nothing but the real man in his stead. It's a superlative piece of acting from one of the truly great actors of all times. Holden, as well, delivers an outstanding performance as Shears, capturing that somewhat embittered, off-handed sarcasm and resignation of a man trapped by circumstances beyond his control, who nevertheless does what he can to make the most of it, while awaiting the first opportunity for escape that affords itself. Holden's work here is Award-worthy, as well, but was destined to forever remain in the shadows of what is probably the definitive Guinness performance. And what a rare treat, having two performances of this caliber in a single film. Other notable performances include Hayakawa, entirely convincing as the tormented Saito, and Jack Hawkins, as demolition expert Major Warden, the absolute personification of the undaunted British stiff-upper-lip. The supporting cast includes James Donald (Clipton), Geoffrey Horne (Joyce), Percy Herbert (Grogan), Ann Sears (Nurse) and Andre Morell (Green). Beautifully filmed and expertly crafted and delivered, "The Bridge On the River Kwai" is one of David Lean's masterpieces. It's an emotionally involving, dramatic action/adventure that offers some real insight into the determination and tenacity of the human spirit. This film (especially the ending) is one you will never forget; a classic in every sense of the word, it exemplifies the magic of the movies.
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Summary: In retort to Geoff Puterbaugh's review
Review: I just read Geoff Puterbaugh's review and I must say; The man was obviosly taking part in other activities (possibly involving psychotropic substances)while watching this film (I hope for his sake he was, otherwise he has no excuse for such an opinion, unless of course he happens to be retarded). I am not going to go into detail about this film. There are better writers with similar opinions to mine who have written splended reviews. But this movie is an all time great. Giving it an OK review I would disagree with, but respect. Giving this film a bad review, and backing it up with an idiotic explanation forced me to write my one and only review. Alec Guiness states clearly that he is standing up for his principals not because he is lazy and does not want to do work, or because he finds himself above manual labor, but because you have to draw the line somewhere. He knows that if you give an inch to your enemy he will take a mile. That, I feel is his point.
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Summary: Historical Revision of the 1940's
Review: In the course of providing entertainment, writers and directors should be sensitive to the matter of historical accuracy. Artistic license is acceptable only when the core spirit of the story is not altered. English, Australian and Dutch prisoners were not treated well as protrayed in this movie. Would a movie portraying life in a German concentration camp as humane and without gas chambers be tolerated? Such a writer and director would be seen as a revisionist and nazi sympathizer. The prisoners working on that railroad were beaten, starved and denied medical treatment. What few medical supplies that were available were reserved for the Japanese guards. If a prisoner from Auschwitz and a prisoner from the Thai Railroad stood side by side, you could not distinguish between the two with their emaciated bodies. Most of the workers on that railroad were people from nearby countries such as Burma, Laos, China and Vietnam. They were either enslaved from the beginning or tricked by offers of employment as construction workers. There was no payment and many never saw their homes again. This movie was a slap in the face to the survivors and the victim's families.
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Summary: One Of The Coolest Cases I've Ever Seen
Review: The case that this DVD was put in is the same as the Lawrence Of Arabia set, and on top of that the extras are quite numerous. If you collect DVD's or even if you don't, this is one to pick up. As far as the movie goes...it just happesn to be one of the greatest ever. When somebody tells me that the Fight Club or Matrix DVD's are the best ones out there, I just show them this or the Lawrence Of Arabia sets and, if they know anything, they change their mind.
Rating: 
Summary: A Classic....
Review: Hearing a lot of good things about this movie I decided to finally purchase it. It was very enjoyable and entertaining. The video transfer is excellent and the Dolby 5.1 surround was very good too. The extras include a new "making-of" and several old featurettes. It also has the usual trailers and cast and crew info. If you are a fan of this movie, I'd recommend this Limited Editon version that has very nice packaging and a lot of behing the scenes stuff. If you haven't seen it yet, rent it and give it a try.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent insight into the minds of soldiers
Review: It may be hard for some in today's "every man for himself" mentality to relate to the strong personal honor that underlies many characters in this movie. The central 'combat of wills' is between Saito, the Japanese ruler of a prison camp deep in asia, and Nicholson, who is a traditional multi-decade British soldier that has lived his entire adult life within the rules and structure of that system. As a lover of feudal Japanese culture, I found it fascinating as Saito claimed the heritage of "Bushido" (the 'way of the warrior' of the samurai), yet had no problem using all prisoners as slave labor in order to save his own neck. Instead of following the Geneva Convention and treating the prisoners as the "rules" insisted, he bent them in order to not have to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) because the train bridge was not finished in time. On the other hand, Nicholson refused to allow Saito to use his officers as laborers (although he didn't seem to mind his *men* being sent off to work the tracks) and goes into The Oven to suffer as a consequence. Later, when work is running behind, he even goes into the hospital and talks the sick men into helping out - risking their health and lives for the 'common good' of the railway (which in fact is helping his *enemy*). I wish the movie were a bit longer, so we could go even deeper into the various characters. Each one has been molded by time and experience into a certain lifestyle, and each has doubts at time that he has chosen the correct path. A fascinating movie.
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