100 Movies Every Catholic Should See #28: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Directed by David Lean
Since its release in 1957 (arguably one of the best years in the history of cinema), The Bridge on the River Kwai has been forever instilled into pop culture, and has gained a well earned reputation as a film of outstanding quality. From The Breakfast Club to Parks and Recreation to even loosely inspiring Gareth Edward’s Rogue One, Bridge on the River Kwai’s impact is still alive and well some 70 years after its release. But what makes this film so special, and why should we as Catholics embrace it?
First and foremost, Kwai is a David Lean film, and one of if not his best at that: Lean’s filmography is one that any cinephile should try their best to complete. His epic scope is capable of capturing remarkably intimate moments of the Human Condition that all can relate to: as much as his films focus on epic pieces of history and grand events, the most important part of his films is the individual, and the importance of individual choices within difficult times. This is on full display in Kwai.
Some films serve as cautionary tales, specifically around what we would call a cardinal sin. Kwai is no exception and ultimately serves as a cautionary tale against the sin of Pride (said to be the first sin). This vice is what drives this film to its fitting conclusion as it turns Colonel Nicholson (Sir Alec Guinness), into a shell of an officer, only driven by his obsession to prove his men (and mostly himself) as dignified within defeat. At first his defiance of his Japanese captors is noble, even admirable. Nicholson’s statement “Here is where we win it out” is something we can draw examples from in each of our own calls to Spiritual Warfare. The folly lies in believing we can do it on our own without assistance from Him.
The craftsmanship of Bridge on the River Kwai is among the best: David Lean’s shot composition, relentless development of tension, and structure are almost perfect. The use of on-sight filming and going above and beyond in the production department really helps add to the director’s signature scope. All of this to build up to perhaps the strongest point of this film: the acting. Kwai is easily one of the best acted films of the Hollywood golden age, especially due to a career-best Guinness (who was converting to Catholicism while filming this very movie), alongside other all time greats like Jack Hawkins and William Holden.
The Bridge on the River Kwai stands to this day as a testament to the power of cinema, and a towering achievement from the Golden Age of Hollywood. It is essential viewing for any Catholic, and equally important for any cinephile.