The Bridge on the River Kwai of honor and the hypocrisy of Britain’s class system without ever compromising its thrilling war narrative", and in comparing to other films of the time said that Bridge on the River Kwai "carefully builds its psychological tension until it erupts in a blinding flash of sulfur and flame.". Variety gave high praise for the movie saying that it is "a gripping drama, expertly put together and handled with skill in all departments.". Significant praise was also given to the actors especially Alec Guinness, Variety said that "the film is unquestionably Guinness’". William Holden was also credited for his acting, he
The Bridge on the River Kwai Kitulgala. Guinness later said that he subconsciously based his walk while emerging from "the Oven" on that of his eleven-year-old son Matthew, who was recovering from polio at the time, a disease that left him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down. Guinness later reflected on the scene, calling it the "finest piece of work" he had ever done. Lean nearly drowned when he was swept away by the river current during a break from filming. The filming of the bridge explosion was to be done on 10 March 1957, in the presence of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, then Prime Minister of Ceylon,