Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) movie poster

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)

戦場のメリークリスマス
"Java, 1942 — A clash of cultures, a test of the human spirit."
ThumbScore
👍 83%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
🎬 70% (RT: 86%, MC: 53) ℹ️RT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
DramaHistoryWar

Where to Watch

Free
TubiPlex
Streaming
YouTube TV
See all watch options on JustWatch
Director
Nagisa Ōshima
Runtime
2h 4m
Country
Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom
Language
Japanese
TMDB Rating
7.3/10 (511 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
86%
Metacritic
53
Cast
David Bowie as Celliers
Tom Conti as Lawrence
Jack Thompson as Hicksley
Johnny Ohkura as Kanemoto
James Malcolm as Celliers' Brother
Most people think so. 83% of audiences gave it a thumbs up based on 511 votes. Critics gave it 70%.
Overview
Island of Java, 1942, during World War II. British Major Jack Celliers arrives at a Japanese prison camp, run by the strict Captain Yonoi. Colonel John Lawrence, who has a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, and Sergeant Hara, brutal and simpleton, will witness the struggle of wills between two men from very different backgrounds who are tragically destined to clash. Wikipedia ↗
Fun Facts
  • Nagisa Ōshima cited several classic drama films as the primary inspiration for the visual style.
  • David Bowie spent months preparing for the role, heavily researching the subject matter.
  • It remains one of the highest-rated drama films of 1983 among dedicated fans.
Audience Consensus

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is a 1983 drama, history, war film directed by Nagisa Ōshima. Island of Java, 1942, during World War II.

British Major Jack Celliers arrives at a Japanese prison camp, run by the strict Captain Yonoi. Colonel John Lawrence, who has a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, and Sergeant Hara, brutal and simpleton, will witness the struggle of wills between two men from very different backgrounds who are tragically destined to clash. The film has been rated by 511 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers.

As a drama film, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling. The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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