An epic wartime tragedy where rigid British discipline clashes with survivalist cynicism, culminating in a bridge that becomes a monument to both engineering genius and the devastating absurdity of human conflict.
The Bridge on the River Kwai
"It spans a whole new world of entertainment!"
Director:
David Lean
Cast:
William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald
Drama
War
History
Budget:
$2,800,000
Box Office:
$44,908,000
The Bridge on the River Kwai - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details
Easter Eggs
Matthew Guinness Cameo
Alec Guinness's son, Matthew, appears as one of the uncredited British POWs in the marching sequences, providing a small family connection to the epic production.
David Lean's 'Signature' Horizon
The film features Lean's emerging obsession with the 'mirage' effect on the horizon, which he would later perfect in Lawrence of Arabia.