The Bridge on the River Kwai

(David Lean, UK/US 1957, 161 min., 35mm)

Senior Matinee | 12 Postcards from Prison. A group of British P.O.W.’s captured by the Japanese during WWII are forced to build a bridge that will assist the enemy. Lean’s strongest statement on the insanity and absurdity of war is abundant in magnificent acting, spectacular action scenes, and shattering ironies. The peerless cast features William Holden, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa and—in his Oscar-winning performance as the Colonel who collaborates with the Japanese—Alec Guinness.