The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954)

78% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(1,558 ratings)

Based on the novel by James Michener, this film stars William Holden as Harry Brubaker, a former military pilot who served in World War II. When he's called back into duty during the Korean conflict, Brubaker is angry, believing he's already served his country and needs to devote himself to his wife… More Based on the novel by James Michener, this film stars William Holden as Harry Brubaker, a former military pilot who served in World War II. When he's called back into duty during the Korean conflict, Brubaker is angry, believing he's already served his country and needs to devote himself to his wife Nancy (Grace Kelly) and their children. However, he accepts his commission and is sent back into action as a pilot, with a special assignment to blow up five strategically crucial bridges in Korean territory. This drama, which focuses on the danger and futility of war, also features Frederic March as an admiral who respects the tremendous danger of Brubaker's assignment, and Mickey Rooney as an ill-fated helicopter pilot. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Mark Robson
Written By: Valentine Davies, James A. Michener
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1954 Wide
On DVD: May 22, 2001
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Donald J. Levit, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
'The Bridges at Toko-Ri' is still a vehicle for the quiet determination of character that once placed William Holden among the brightest of stars.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It seems to be paying only lip service to its pacifist message, but fully believes that wars are a necessary part of life
Mark Pfeiffer, Reel Times: Reflections on Cinema
The Bridges at Toko-Ri effectively depicts the sacrifices and courage of those who went to war.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A great cast, but a boring war movie. I didn't like it. I'd only recommend seeing this if you really want to see one of the actors in it.
danny d

this is a great film, but it is one of the saddest films i have ever seen. the end is down right depressing as a family man. much of the film felt average at best, but the actual flying sequences were excellent, raising the overall quality of the film. a classic and must watch.
Lanning :

The wrong war at the wrong time. <p>Still one of the best "futility of war" movies ever made. Holden's performance holds up so well. Those last desperate minutes are gripping, even after many viewings and more than 50 years. And there's Grace Kelly, too.… More
The wrong war at the wrong time. <p>Still one of the best "futility of war" movies ever made. Holden's performance holds up so well. Those last desperate minutes are gripping, even after many viewings and more than 50 years. And there's Grace Kelly, too. Possibly the best performances ever given by both Mickey Rooney and Earl Holliman.
cody f

Not a bad film, but a little melodramatic. What makes this film enjoyable is the realistic war footage and William Holden. I really enjoyed all of the scenes on the aircraft carrier and it's daily workings, and the air combat scenes are fantastic and still hold up today. The… More
Not a bad film, but a little melodramatic. What makes this film enjoyable is the realistic war footage and William Holden. I really enjoyed all of the scenes on the aircraft carrier and it's daily workings, and the air combat scenes are fantastic and still hold up today. The scenes with Grace Kelly that are off the carrier are too melodramatic and a bit unrealistic. William Holden is great as always and the ending is really strong.