The Bridges at Toko-Ri [DVD] (2007) DVD

The Bridges at Toko-Ri is a fairly run of the mill war movie about the US Navy and its role in the Korean War in the 1950's. It is a fairly entertaining melodrama mainly due to the charisma of its major stars: William Holden, Grace Kelly, Fredric March, and Mickey Rooney. An entertaining film, but nothing special.

However, what makes this film rather interesting is how the film reflects some of the political feelings in America regarding the Korean War. It expresses the ambiguity of the American public regarding the war. Unlike WWII, this war was not seen as one that affected the nation in a passionate way. The film seems to suggest that the heroic sacrifices made by American military personnel fighting in the Korean War were not being fully appreciated by the American public. America at large was enjoying life in the '50s while these men were giving their lives for the cause of anti-communism, and the film in a patriotic way makes the point of whether or not the sacrifice is worth it, and if it is, then the public's attitude and measure of sacrifice should change. In some ways, the feelings expressed in this film are a precursor to a war fatigue that would reach its apex in the 1960's with the Viet Nam War.

The film is an interesting time capsule into one perspective of the American attitude in the 1950's toward the Koran War. Combined with the stars in this film, it makes it well worth watching.

THE BRIDGES AT TOKO-RI gives a very realistic account of fighting during the Korean War. The movie also repeatedly raises questions about the futility of war. Most of those questions are asked by Lieutenant Harry Brubaker, a navy reserve pilot called back to duty from his job as a lawyer in civilian life.

Brubaker is played by William Holden in one of his most unforgettable roles. Grace Kelly as Brubaker's wife has a minor but important part. The supporting cast of Fredric March, Mickey Rooney, Robert Strauss and Earl Holliman is superb.

THE BRIDGES AT TOKO-RI gives a very realistic account of fighting during the Korean War which began over fifty years ago. In light of recent events, this film takes on a new significance.Tensions still exist between North Korea and several other countries including in particular the United States, Japan and South Korea.

The same questions the movie raises in 1957 about the futility of war remain relevant today. Most of those questions are asked by Lieutenant Harry Brubaker, a navy reserve pilot called back to duty from his job as a lawyer in civilian life.

Brubaker is played by William Holden in one of his most unforgettable roles. Grace Kelly as Brubaker's wife has a minor but important part. The supporting cast of Fredric March, Mickey Rooney, Robert Strauss and Earl Holliman is superb.