They've been working on the railroad. |
First and foremost, what is The Bridge on the River Kwai? It is the perfect description of madness, in each and every character.
The main character of madness is Col. Nicholson, played by Academy-Award winning Alec Guinness, who decides to stop slacking, and build a bridge for the Japanese. It's a confusing decision, and isn't considered the first act of madness for nothing.
The second character of madness is the Japanese officer himself, Col. Saito. He is the man, that believes the British would actually build them a bridge. Saito, on a deadline, needs to build a bridge or he'll be forced to commit suicide. But dependence on the enemy? Madness!