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Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)
Reel Deep Dive hasn't really covered an old fashioned "dad movie" yet, so Rachel suggested that we talk about director David Lean's first foray into epic cinematic storytelling. Set during World War II, Bridge On The River Kwai concerns a group of British POWs tasked with building a strategically-valuable bridge on a path between Rangoon and Siam. Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is initially uncooperative with his Japanese captors, but ultimately grows obsessed with completing the project, often to the detriment of his men. This conflict comes to a head when a team of commandos attempt to destroy the bridge at the film's climax.
Bridge On The River Kwai is a lengthy, layered movie that made tons of money and swept the Oscars. It has also hung on in public consciousness, getting referenced and/or spoofed in major media up to the present day. As such, there's a lot to unpack and the thematic segment of Ryan and Rachel's dialogue goes on a bit longer than usual. Talking points include the film's arduous shoot, how the movie's success affected the career path of its director, the many deviations the plot takes from historical fact, the subtext of cultural clashes that are laced throughout the movie (both in terms of its story and its behind-the-scenes drama), and what could motivate a guy like Col. Nicholson to betray his country like he does.
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By Ryan Valentine
5
44 ratings
Reel Deep Dive hasn't really covered an old fashioned "dad movie" yet, so Rachel suggested that we talk about director David Lean's first foray into epic cinematic storytelling. Set during World War II, Bridge On The River Kwai concerns a group of British POWs tasked with building a strategically-valuable bridge on a path between Rangoon and Siam. Lieutenant Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) is initially uncooperative with his Japanese captors, but ultimately grows obsessed with completing the project, often to the detriment of his men. This conflict comes to a head when a team of commandos attempt to destroy the bridge at the film's climax.
Bridge On The River Kwai is a lengthy, layered movie that made tons of money and swept the Oscars. It has also hung on in public consciousness, getting referenced and/or spoofed in major media up to the present day. As such, there's a lot to unpack and the thematic segment of Ryan and Rachel's dialogue goes on a bit longer than usual. Talking points include the film's arduous shoot, how the movie's success affected the career path of its director, the many deviations the plot takes from historical fact, the subtext of cultural clashes that are laced throughout the movie (both in terms of its story and its behind-the-scenes drama), and what could motivate a guy like Col. Nicholson to betray his country like he does.