The Bridge over the River Kwai on Arte: 5 reasons to watch David Lean’s masterpiece

Awarded seven Oscars in 1958, this adaptation of Pierre Boulle’s novel is a cinema monument with a chaotic genesis. Short guided tour of this sumptuous building.

The River Kwai Bridge is rebroadcast this Sunday evening on Arte, and can be viewed free in streaming on Arte.TV for a week.

Whether you are nostalgic for the great monochrome masterpieces or simply curious, here are five reasons to see or rewatch David Lean’s great epic film which will be broadcast this evening on Channel 8. But first, a quick reminder of the facts: in 1943, an English regiment interned in a prison camp in Burma was assigned to the construction of a bridge in the middle of the jungle. After opposing this project, Colonel Nicholson gave in to Japanese demands. He is unaware that the Americans are preparing to dynamite the bridge…

1. For its status as an absolute classic

Never forgotten in the numerous lists of best feature films, THE Bridge of there River Kwai is an epic film of immense breath which has lost none of its power of fascination. Awarded 7 Oscars upon its release (best film, best screenplay, etc.), the film shines as much for its masterful interpretation as for its contemplative photography. Despite its three hours and venerable age, the film is invested from start to finish with palpable tension.

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3. For Alec Guiness

Because there is not only Michael Caine in life, it is always good to contemplate an actor typically british at the top of his art. Here, Alec Guiness literally bursts the screen in an intense and subtle interpretation of Colonel Nicholson. An unforgettable performance which earned him the Oscar for best actor. And to think that he almost refused the role because he found the character unlikable!