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73% Critic Match
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
“Java, 1942 — A clash of cultures, a test of the human spirit.”
7.3 / 10• 1983• 2h 4m•R• Japanese
DramaHistoryWar
Storyline
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.
Cast & Crew
David Bowie
Celliers
Lead
Tom Conti
Lawrence
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Yonoi
Takeshi Kitano
Hara
Jack Thompson
Hicksley
Johnny Ohkura
Kanemoto
Alistair Browning
De Jong
JM
James Malcolm
Celliers' Brother
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Nagisa Ōshima's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
