THE Bridge On The River Kwai

THE Prisoner of War movie is virtually a genre in and of itself, but while much of this near-three hour epic takes place inside a detention camp, its scope is much wider, taking in the military mindset, honour and when bravery turns to insanity. Alec Guinness is superb as the starchy British colonel who first resists doing any work for the Japanese, then sees building the titular bridge as a way to keep his imprisoned men motivated. William Holden – who delivered a similarly smart performance in Stalag 17 – is an American soldier who escapes the camp but is sent back to blow up the colonel’s handiwork. Their contrasting behaviour is set against a sweltering, majestic but oppressive jungle backdrop, with Sri Lanka doubling for Burma. A film about the power of pride and discipline – and its danger.