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 over the River Kwai Colonel Saito, the warden of the Japanese POW camp, Nicholson will nevertheless, out of a distorted sense of duty, aid his enemy. While on the outside, as the Allies race to destroy the bridge, Nicholson must decide which to sacrifice: his patriotism or his pride. Boulle's portrayal of the British officers was satirical, for example, Colonel Nicholson is a military snob. Boulle also examines friendship between individual soldiers, both among captors and captives. The victorious Japanese soldiers cooperate with their prisoners, who strive to establish their superiority through the construction of the bridge. The incidents portrayed in the book are