The Bridge on the River Kwai was the highest grossing film of 1957, with a budget that surpassed the entire 1957 box office for 12 Angry Men. So how did 12 Angry Men end up unanimous on my upset list?
The Bridge on the River Kwai quickly gained universal acclaim, with many considering it some of Sam Spiegel's best work. Spiegel would go on to win Best Picture three times (already for On the Waterfront and soon for Lawrence of Arabia.)
Overall, it's a pretty timeless war film. The special effects and acting are not cheesy or dated, and the story progresses nicely throughout its 2.5+ hour runtime. It's a must-see epic if you enjoy war films even in the slightest.
It also happens to be one of the only movies that Ron Swanson has (allegedly) ever seen, along with Best Picture winner Patton, and Herbie: Fully Loaded. So clearly, it must be a good one!
12 Angry Men practically bombed at the box office. It was underperforming around the country, even after positive reviews from critics.
Based on the 1954 teleplay, Henry Fonda plays the sole juror questioning the guilt of an 18 year old suspect. With evidence and prejudices exposed for all to see, each juror finds themselves in a moral dilemma. It has a simple premise and a simple delivery, but finishes with such a strong impact. Some argue that it's a poor portrayal of the justice system, but I enjoyed it. I'm not a lawyer!
Alec Guinness was the big winner for The Bridge on the River Kwai, winning at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and NYFCC Awards, Oscars, and by the National Board of Review.
12 Angry Men missed out at the Oscars and the Golden Globes, but did win one BAFTA for Henry Fonda and one award from the WGA.
What it lacked in 1958 awards, it has definitely made up in current reception. It holds a rare 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the highest IMDb rating we've seen from a Winner or Upset so far. 12 Angry Men is tied for 3rd for highest IMDb rating across all films on the site.
Both have been recognized by the NFR, NBR, OFTA, and AFI. The insights also fall right into place for this one.
Unofficial Review: Both should be on your watchlist. The Bridge on the River Kwai is a great epic, while 12 Angry Men is a much shorter, easier watch.
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Sir Alec Guinness CH CBE
2 April 1914 – 5 August 2000
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It’s totally crazy that I went the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi, Thailand yesterday and even took a picture in front of the bridge posing as Col. Nicholson, without realising yesterday was Sir Alec Guinness’ birthday.
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The Crossing of Paris was described as follow:
Two guys cross over Paris with suitcases full of illegal pork meat in occupied Paris. Because of a complicated situation, the usual guy didn't have his accomplice and took under his wing the first guy he met, but as the night progresses and they evade french and german forces alike, the usual guy and the viewers start doubting the new guy. Until they're both caught by the germans, and the new guy's secret is revealed, saving his life last minute as the usual guy is taken, plausibly to be shot. Not spoiling you've got to watch it!!!
The Bridge on the River Kwai was described as follow:
A bunch of british soldiers prisonners of the Japanese are forced to build a bridge to help the japanese armies make their way through the river kwai.
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Alec Guinness Filmography Part 2
To Paris with Love (1955)
The Ladykillers (1955)
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
The Scapegoat (1959)
Our Man in Havana (1959)
Tunes of Glory (1960)
A Majority of One (1961)
Damn the Defiant! (1962)
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)
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