
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
dir. Nagisa Ōshima
71
7 sourcesSynopsis
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.
Critics consensus
Worthy themes and strong performances across the board make Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence an impactful story about bridging cultural divides.

Directed byNagisa Ōshima
StarringDavid Bowie, Tom Conti, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Kitano, Jack Thompson, Johnny Ohkura
Written byNagisa Ōshima, Paul Mayersberg
CinematographyTōichirō Narushima
EditingTomoyo Oshima
MusicRyuichi Sakamoto
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
1983 · R · 2h 4m
Drama, History, War
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.
Our Verdict
71
Critics Consensus
Worthy themes and strong performances across the board make Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence an impactful story about bridging cultural divides.
