I can't say enough good about this movie.It was made for its time. The public needed to be shown what it meant to be part of the military. What could be squandered without realizing how quickly one could lose that which was so prized. There is always a price to be paid. Its not until the true value of ones life is realized will one come to fully value the life they have to live. This movie presents this realism to us. Its not always the perfect presentation. But, then again what is in the real world. I would suggest however, that one reads Micheners' Book, The Bridges at Toko-Rio, before seeing the movie. More insight might be gained beforehand. The novel only adds to the movie. This movie was made when America was at its zenith in its place in the world. America stood alone as the first superpower. As yet unchallenged, but soon to be by the very nation whose personnel manned the planes, guns and radar stations seeking any incoming planes onto Korean airspace. Still, even though the hero dies in the doing, he still dies while doing something considered noble, worth dying for. Even the hero's wife, who agonizes over the whys and wherefores of her husband being part of something most of America has no idea is even happening. And, the hero is not even an enlisted man. He volunteered. He shouldn't even be there! Before seeing the movie, read the book. The movie was great.

THE BRIDGES AT TOKO-RI is a traditional Hollywood war movie, this time utilising the Korean War as a backdrop for the usual gung-ho heroics from the square-jawed cast members. The heroes are Navy pilots tasked with the impossible mission of blowing up some crucial bridges in Korea, so it's a little like an American version of THE DAM BUSTERS although not as good. William Holden does well as the dependable lead and Grace Kelly always brightens up the screen as his love interest. I found Mickey Rooney a big asset as well in a typically likable performance as the airforce buddy. The film meanders a little early on but it picks up with an intense and highly realistic climax that doesn't skimp on the drama and pathos.