Based on Pierre Boulle's novel this makes for a deeply absorbing and moving story and is classed as a benchmark for war films. The story is centred around a Japanese prison camp deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia. The cruel Colonel Saito has been ordered to build a vitally important railway bridge but his obsession clashes with British prisoner Colonol Nicholson who is desparate to achieve concessions for his troops. The story is held together by their compromises, the honourable troops and, most importantly, the bridge.