The Bridge on the River Kwai

“The story in the jungle moves ahead neatly, economically, powerfully.”

Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times · 100

“Possibly Lean's most complicated movie, Kwai is a towering work.”

Ian Nathan, Empire · 100

“A gripping drama, expertly put together and handled with skill in all departments. Its potency stems only partly from the boxoffice draw of William Holden and, to a lesser degree, Alec Guinness. What elevates “Kwai” to the rank of an artistic and financial triumph for producer Sam Spiegel is the engrossing entertainment it purveys, including some scenes which will be listed as among the best of film memorabilia.”

Mike Kaplan, Variety · 100

“Brilliant is the word, and no other, to describe the quality of skills that have gone into the making of this picture, from the writing of the script out of a novel by the Frenchman Pierre Boulle, to direction, performance, photographing, editing and application of a musical score.”

Bosley Crowther, The New York Times · 100

“Whereas Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago feel more pictorial than cinematic, The Bridge on the River Kwai carefully builds its psychological tension until it erupts in a blinding flash of sulfur and flame.”

Christian Blauvelt, Slant Magazine · 100