`Bridge Over the River Quoi`- the Finest War Film Ever Made???

Question

Director Ken Russell, in his role as `Times` columnist, failed to include this remarkable David Lean film amongst those he considers to be the best war films of all time.  This could be because `Bridge Over the River Quoi` does not have a commercial connection by way of promoting toys, games, etc.

Whatever the reason, it was a disgraceful oversight and possibly justifies the general assumption that directors and screenwriters are generally too personally involved to make good critics.  Michael Winner`s foodie column is an exception.

Anyone who watched the Lean classic last night on tv cannot help but to agree that it is one of the director`s best and that the cast of Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins and Bill Holden, not to mention Hyakawa (sp), played ensemble in the best of that tradition.

Diana Rigg forever exudes about Sir Alec; and after seeing him in this I conclude she is correct.

I always have loved Jack Hawkins.

And Holden was right up there with them.

Good stuff!!

Richard F · Answer

"The Best War Movie," is a tough title to earn.  This movie is great, definitely top ten.  A Bridge Too Far, Green Berets, Tora Tora Tora!, Platoon, Apocalypse Now, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Schindler's List, The Deer Hunter, U-571, Troy...

Puppet Dictator · Answer

KWAI not Quoi.  its a classic darn right but I have to admit that Alec Guinness' mannered performance got on my nerves but then, he was always like that apart from Fagin.
Jack Hawkins and Alec were David Lean faves and the fact that Lean cast Guinness as an Arab Sheikh and later on as an Indian further irritates me lol

Eddie D · Answer

I do not wish to deny "The Bridge..." but I think the folly of war was better illustrated by Paths of Glory with Kirk Douglas (and Wayne Morris).  Was that in Russell's top 10?

Anonymous · Answer

It is an excellent film, but it leaves a lot as far as being accurate... the actual building of the bridge and the railroad was a FAR CRY from the dramatization shown in the movie.

PLATOON is possibly the best war movie ever made, from the standpoint of accuracy.

? · Answer

well i have to say nice pic gota chat on msn privetly some time if interested well as for world war movie their are 3 dirty dozen movies all were good were eagels land and dear are also good dambusters withe the skipping bombs yes well done tora tora tora great escape force ten from naverone and guns from naverone devils brigade battle of the river plate battle of the bulge patton battle of brittan clasic they are just to name a fer kellys heros another on big time actors to make that one and a good story line then u got your modern day yes saving privet ryan thin red line when trumpets fade perl harbour windtalkers and more it would be very hard for me to decide between the clasics and the new ones so i would have to go with kellys heros for the clasics and for the new ones well cant make my minde up all good to me

Anonymous · Answer

I think that Alec Guinness performance was the worst that he ever did. It was so over the top that it was unbelievable. That staggering walk Wow it made me cringe.. I am a fan but not with that one.

Anonymous · Answer

i remember my dad used to have it on whenever it came on tv many times over the years, but i finally sat down and watched it yesterday and have to say it was very good!

Anonymous · Answer

there are some better war films but as a tribute to true british spirit there are none better

Anonymous · Answer

it is good but i think "A bridge too far " has got to be up their with it.

Anonymous · Answer

kwai????

Trending News

`Bridge Over the River Quoi`- the Finest War Film Ever Made???

10 Answers