By Emily Malia

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This ‘epic’ film combines the writing of the author behind Planet of the Apes and the directing of one of the most prolific figures in British cinema – and you can stream the entire thing now. The Bridge on the River Kwai stands as one of cinema’s finest war epics, six decades after hitting screens in 1957, and continues to be praised as a ‘masterpiece’ by devotees of the genre. Crafted against the harsh realities of the Second World War, merely 12 years following its conclusion, it’s fair to say the film’s well-timed creation has secured its enduring place in audiences’ consciousness. The critically-acclaimed picture boasts a remarkable 96% rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes from genuine critiques. One such assessment says: “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.” The film’s enduring appeal stems from the collaborative genius of French novelist Pierre Boulle and celebrated British filmmaker David Lean CBE, though it’s Alec Guinness who truly steals the show. A further review says: “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.” The thespian was at the pinnacle of his film career when he portrayed Colonel Nicholson, commanding a group of British prisoners of war in The Bridge on the River Kwai, reports the Express . This performance, alongside several of his other roles, features on the BFI’s list of the most significant British films of the 20th century, securing the 11th spot. One review describes it as “the best war movie I’ve ever watched”, going on to declare it a “true masterpiece”. Meanwhile, another reviewer wrote: “One of the greatest and most satisfying endings in all film history. “Powerful, complex, moving, and a unique narrative make this one of the best war movies of all time,” one captivated viewer said. They added: “Colonel Nicholson is one of my favourite characters of all time. This is truly like watching a Shakespeare play unfold. “The plot is so complex, and for a 1950s movie, it is so ahead of its time. William Holden is masterful as well. Overall some of the best acting I have ever seen, a wonderful soundtrack, perfect pacing and incredibly ambitious cinematography.” Taking place in 1943, amidst World War Two, a band of British prisoners of war endure appalling conditions beneath the harsh rule of a Japanese detention facility in Thailand. Under Colonel Nicholson’s command, the soldiers are assigned the task of constructing a bridge, vital to their imprisoners, serving to support the Burma-Siam railway. They have different intentions, with a clandestine scheme to sabotage the entire operation. Throughout the film, we witness the colonel endure brutal torture from his captors, yet surprisingly few sequences depict the horrors of combat itself. Numerous audiences have praised the film’s clever decision to focus less on battle scenes and more on the personal narratives of the characters. One viewer said: “Extremely well done, especially given this 1957 movie didn’t have the benefits of modern CGI and special effects. “Great characters and great performances. A war picture without war, instead focusing on the men’s motivations and morality.” Having claimed seven Academy Awards, it’s hardly shocking that cinema enthusiasts keep returning to this 1950s masterpiece. You can now watch it yourself, as The Bridge on the River Kwai is currently streaming on Amazon Prime, or alternatively on NowTV.