Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- German Films
- Soldiers
- Teenagers
- World War Two
Review:
This Oscar nominated German film — Austrian director Bernhard Wicki’s feature debut — is a powerful, depressing look at the meaningless destruction of war. In the first half of the movie, we follow seven teenage boys as they interact with their (often fragmented) families; experience first love or unrequited desire; express giddy delight over discovering contraband brandy hidden in the river:
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Bridge-Brandy-1024x763.png)
… and, above all, eagerly await their turn for inscription in Hitler’s army. The second half of the film details the grueling escalation of a deadly snafu, in which — despite the best of intentions by the boys’ platoon leader — everything that can go wrong does.
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Bridge-War-1024x775.png)
Ultimately, The Bridge demonstrates how miscommunication and stubborn pride can lead to lethal chaos when weapons (and naive teens) are involved. There’s little redemption here; by the end of the film (which was based on a true incident), we’re simply reminded how devastating and relentless the toll of war can be.
Note: According to my resident expert (my husband), there are a number of technical discrepancies in the film; most viewers, however, will not be bothered by this.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- An insightful look at youthful idealism and naivete during wartime
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/The-Bridge-Teens-1024x754.png)
- A powerful depiction of war as hell
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/Bridge-War-as-Hell2-1024x772.png)
Must See?
Yes. Listed as a film with Historical Importance in the back of Peary’s book.
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