Return from the River Kwai Soundtrack (

Return from the River Kwai Soundtrack (1989) cover

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Rating: 4.90/10 from 1000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

El regreso del río Kwai

Title in Italiano:

Il ritorno dal fiume Kwai

Title in Português:

Regresso ao Rio Kwai

Title in Français:

Retour de la rivière Kwaï

Title in Deutsch:

Retour de la rivière Kwaï

Synopsis

Return from the River Kwai

A group of war prisoners has spilt blood, sweat and tears to construct a bridge over the river Kwai in Thailand. Just when the bridge is ready, an American bomber arrives and destroys it. Camp commander Tanaka wants to set an example and orders that some of the prisoners must be executed. Just in time major Harada arrives with orders that the healthiest prisoners must be transported to Japan by train and boat. A treacherous journey since the allied forces keep a close eye on railroads and practically own the seas. The prisoners are thinking of plans to escape.

Meanwhile the American bomber has been shot down and its pilot, Leyland Crawford, is being rescued by the indigenous people, the Meo. The Meo have formed a resistance group against the Japanese, led by the British colonel Grayson.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Return from the River Kwai
Waltzing Matilda
A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson: Lyrics of "waltzing matilda"
Rule Britannia
Lalo Schifrin: Arrangement
Thomas Augustine Arne: Performer
Auld Lang Syne
Lalo Schifrin: (uncredited) traditional arranged
Pack Up Your Troubles
George Asaf: Writer
Main Title
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Destroyed Bridge / Meo Tribesmen
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Firing Squad / Time And Change
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Headman / Crawford
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Rule , Britannia!
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
No Glory In Dying
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Miller's Head / Final Mission
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Cambodia
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Brasil Maru
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Rickshaw / Runaway
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Crash Position / Gangplank / Japanese Theme
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Stretcher
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Dive / Like A Shark
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
The Take-over
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Sit Tight / Anchor Chain
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Escort Hit / Abandon Ship! / Sinking
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
End Titles / Pack Up Your Troubles In Old Kit Bag And Smile , Smile , Smile
Lalo Schifrin: Performer
Japanese Theme
Lalo Schifrin: Performer

User reviews

Dorothy Allen
10/10

The use of traditional Asian instruments blended with Western orchestral elements creates a unique and evocative sound that enhances the storytelling. Each track is carefully crafted to evoke a range of emotions, from sorrow and despair to hope and resilience.

John Campbell
2/10

Additionally, I felt that the soundtrack did not effectively enhance the suspense and tension of the plot. The music seemed too generic and did not create a gripping atmosphere that would have heightened the viewer's engagement with the film.

Anthony Thompson
10/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Return from the River Kwai is a testament to the skill and talent of the composer, delivering a memorable and impactful musical experience that elevates the film to new heights.

Jennifer Perez
7/10

The soundtrack of Return from the River Kwai truly captures the intensity and emotions of the film. The music enhances the suspense and drama of the prisoners' treacherous journey, creating a sense of urgency and tension that keeps viewers engaged.

Betty Turner
9/10

The soundtrack of Return from the River Kwai is an emotional masterpiece that perfectly captures the tension and drama of the film. The haunting melodies and powerful orchestrations immerse the listener in the struggles and triumphs of the characters.

Timothy Mitchell
5/10

The soundtrack of Return from the River Kwai effectively captures the tension and drama of the film's plot. The use of traditional Asian musical elements combined with orchestral arrangements creates a sense of authenticity and immersion in the setting.

Timothy Hernandez
8/10

The orchestral arrangements are beautifully composed, evoking a sense of hope and resilience amidst the harsh realities of war. The use of traditional Asian instruments adds an authentic and cultural depth to the music, enhancing the overall viewing experience and immersing the audience in the story's setting.

Daniel White
3/10

Lastly, I found some of the musical choices to be jarring and out of place, detracting from the overall viewing experience. The soundtrack did not seamlessly blend with the narrative, which made certain scenes feel disjointed and less impactful.

Dorothy Hall
1/10

One aspect of the Return from the River Kwai soundtrack that I found disappointing was its lack of emotional depth. The music failed to capture the intensity and hardships faced by the war prisoners in the story.

Steven Hernandez
6/10

On the other hand, some tracks in the soundtrack feel a bit repetitive and fail to leave a lasting impact. While the music serves its purpose in enhancing the film's atmosphere, it lacks memorable melodies or standout moments that could elevate it to a truly exceptional score.

Donna King
7/10

Overall, the soundtrack of Return from the River Kwai is a powerful and moving musical accompaniment that elevates the film to another level, leaving a lasting impression on the audience with its emotional depth and evocative melodies.