“Enlisted prisoners sabotaged the work. I have seen it. I could have...” – Saito, The Bridge on the River Kwai ... Movie Quotes Database

Movie QuoteDatabase

A scene from The Bridge on the River Kwai 1957

Saito

Enlisted prisoners sabotaged the work. I have seen it. I could have them all shot.

Clipton

Then, who would build your bridge? Besides, are you sure it is sabotage? Perhaps the men don't work well without their own officers to direct them.

Saito

My officers will direct them. Your officers will work beside them.

Clipton

That's for Colonel Nicholson to decide. As he pointed out, it's against the rules.

Saito

Do not speak to me of rules. This is war. This is not a game of cricket. He's mad, your Colonel. Quite mad.

In this scene

Col. Saito Sessue Hayakawa More Saito quotes →

Maj. Clipton James Donald More Clipton quotes →

More from The Bridge on the River Kwai

Saito Can you finish the bridge in time? Nicholson Frankly, the consensus of opinion is that it's impossible. But we'll certainly give it a go. After all, we mustn't forget that we've wasted over a month through an unfortunate disagreement for which I was not to blame. Joyce Officer, sir. A British officer. We're here to blow up the bridge, sir! Nicholson Blow up the bridge? Joyce Yes, sir. Yes, sir. British commando orders, sir. Nicholson Blow up the bridge!? Cmdr. Shears We're going to be a busy pair of gravediggers.