197 of 1001 Movies: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

The Bridge on River Kwai is know as a war classic. It depicts a part of war that most wouldn't ponder over it and it brings up good questions about work ethic and warring itself. The only thing was it wasn't until the last 15 minutes or so that I felt really excited about the movie. Before that I was chugging along for 2 hours hoping for anything to get my attention. It does some nice character development because by the end you can see how a person might have been misled or how the other feels justified in the choices they have made.

Summary: The Japanese have been trying to get their POW's to build a bridge. This bridge is crucial to Colonel Saito to build to save his own life, but he mistreats the prisoners into rebellion. When he sees that he is in a losing battle he lets Colonel Nicholson out his torture unit and back with his army to command them after he failed at convincing him to work. Colonel Nicholson takes his dedication to work seriously, and how his men are perceived, so he sets everyone up to be motivated to build the bridge. What he doesn't know though is that his army is plotting to destroy the bridge though.

127 of 1001 Movies: Brief Encounter (1945)

David Lean created a story in Brief Encounter that can easily switch back and forth between the screen and stage. It's not too complex and it's short, but there is something about the narration done by the lead actress that gives it a depth that it needs. It's unique and well woven together. Also, the two lead actors have the necessary chemistry to make all their longing, and hidden romance work.

Laura is a housewife who is feeling lonesome, and without affection from her husband. While on a trip to town she has a chance encounter with a traveling doctor, Alec. The two meeting each other only amplifies her lonely feeling at home. They make an arrangement to meet every Thursday despite her reluctance at first to go behind her husband's back to meet him for dates. The more their feelings grow though the more difficult it becomes for her to let go of their dates when they end.