Overall, I really didn't connect with this movie emotionally, Surprising given the subject matter, I did like the different direction it took half way through, with the abrupt flashbacks, And they made sense as movie went along, the singing was an act of strength, But it wasn't enough to make this movie noteworthy.

World War II drama in an atypical tone, as it is not necessarily inspired by real events; Its greatest support is addressing issues such as the clash of cultures, guilt, shame and forgiveness. Those who like this genre will be grateful. Especially fans of the "rock chameleon" David Bowie.

Very weird story telling with no clear direction (which I think is a plus as it keeps audiences excited). Good movie for Christmas that kind of give you something although you aren't really sure what it is.

For a film that was released in 1983 (and ipso, shot in '81/'82), this is a startlingly beautiful film about war, ethics, morality and what it takes to be a soldier. It also exposes the brutal truth about war in the final poignant scene - that in most cases, neither of the adversaries is right in a war. The production quality is beautiful, the acting sublime, the setting authentic and the music score by the maestro Ryuichi Sakamoto is haunting. Don't miss this watch if you want your hear to get stirred by some thought provoking cinema!

Solid performances, the last scene has stuck with me for a couple of weeks, now. The themes and subtext worked enough to make it worthwhile. Ebert's review pointing out how the American and Japanese actors were acting like they were in different movies is apt and kind of keeps it from being a must see for me.

A heartbreaking, clever and beautifully filmed story that will leave you wrung-out.

There is a beautiful subtle humanity hidden in the many layers of this well shot, well acted and perfectly paced film. The concept of honor and spiritualism are explored from both sides of the Japanese and allies in this world war II film. One of those most honest films in the Christmas realm. David Bowie, Tom Conti and Takeshi Kitano are incredible and understated in performances The use of meaning in simple items such as a shot of barracks or in dialogue talking about food is rich and a depth of filmmaking seldom seen. Bit's of humor lighten the dark tone and death creeps in every frame. Whether it's out of tune singing, moments of intense levity or just a facial expression from a supporting cast, wow. after all "He's not an evil spirit he's a human being"

Japanese-made celebration of the torture and slaughter of British prisoners in World War II. Two hours of glorifying the horrors that the Godless Japanese Empire committed against human beings. Sickening stuff with no point but to watch them do it. I can imagine how Japan wanted to glorify their war crimes, but to watch them do it turns the stomach.

I really tried to like this movie, and Bowie's acting, but I failed. For a fan of japanese movies and war movies, Merry Chrismas, Mr. Lawrence sounds fake, even childish. The actors didn't convince me at all, and I couldn't care for any character in the movie. I hope the book was better. PS: For a more realistic japanese war movie, one should Watch Letters of Iwo Jima (2006) or the trilogy The Human Condition (1959)

If nothing else, Nagisa Oshima's Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence will keep you off balance with its abundance of oddities and excesses. To start, the music score, at least to my ears, was at most times unnecessary and didn't set any kind of atmosphere. Next, how many Japanese soldiers who helped run POW camps killed themselves via seppuku? Plenty, apparently. Thirdly, flashbacks often seem like the lazy man's way of telling a story and there is evidence of that with this film. On a positive note, David Bowie and Tom Conti are both fantastic as prisoners being held by the Japanese in 1942 Java and the story of the cultural conflict that exists within a military conflict is compelling. The film is truly a mixed bag that many will love and some will hate.

Ambitious in its attempt to address cultural divides and the universality of human nature, but also somewhat dated, naive, and at times flat-out strange. The clash of wills is relatively safe territory as far as narrative daring goes in a POW film, though the film does in all fairness attempt an entirely unique character development arc with respect to Bowie's Celliers (which will either sell the film completely or cause you to quit it, most likely). The film just never feels realy compelling, neither with respect to its psychological tug-of-war or the supposedly constant mortal danger that the prison camp places the characters in. The sporadic '80s synth soundtrack and Celliers' eccentricities are much the same - distinctive, but questionable as to whether or not they add to the film, which otherwise feels like a mildly updated, far less impactful Bridge on the River Kwai. (3/5)

Another brilliant all-around movie about the Japanese war crimes, said as it was.

A superb movie. Everyone involved gives 100% and it just transports you.

Tried to hard to be real, but it failed.

First, it is good to know that this is a Japanese/British collaboration and really shows the difference in the two cultures and second, this movie stands the test of time because it shows the futility of war in a way other war movies don't. As Lawrence himself says "You are the victim of men who think they are right... Just as one day you and Captain Yonoi believed absolutely that you were right. And the truth is of course that nobody is right... " And finally, Sakamoto's soundtrack is timeless.

This is a powerhouse psychological war movie with a mind haunting musical score. David Bowie gives a riveting performance as Celliers. The ending brought tears to my eyes.

Loosely based on Lauren's van der Post's trilogy 'The Seed and The Sower', Nagisa Oshima's English language film (1983) is set on the island of Java in 1942 (during World War II). Written by Paul Mayersberg and the director, this film explores the situation of English prisoners of war held by the Japanese on the remote island of Java, offshore of Indonesia, and their Japanese captors. In particular, it tells the story of Colonel John Lawrence (Tom Conti) - a man like Laurens van der Post - who has a deep understanding of Japanese culture, but is incarcerated like all the others. A powerful mediator between the English and the Japanese, John Lawrence helps the audience to understand this violent and often perplexing behaviour of their captors. Captain Yonoi (Ryuchi Sakamoto) shows us the honest, understanding and straightforward face of the educated Japanese officer in these difficult circumstances. Sergeant Gengo Hara (Takeshi Kitano) helps us to understand the rather formal, misguided, traditional non-commissioned officer whose parallel is our own 'Sergeant Major' or 'Drill Sergeant'. The crisis of cross-cultural understanding is heralded by the arrival of a British soldier who inadvertantly conforms to the Japanese ideal of heroism - Major Jack Selliers (David Bowie). In Selliers, even Captain Yonoi, has to sit up and take notice. A very British sense of 'fair play' is somehow paradoxically engendered. It's not hard to ignore the obvious pop stars, in this great film whose sweep and focus leads us inexorably to confront the painful conflicts of our parents or grandparents, because we cannot help but feel the keen emotions evoked by it. How hard it is to bear the merciless execution of the violent Sgt Hara, when we truly understand how meekly he accepts it and why. And what great good fortune that Ryuchi Sakamoto could have written such a haunting musical theme to the movie.. while he was only getting paid for acting !

A film that goes beyond the laws and customs of the convention, with an ending that will linger and stay with you long after the pictures fade.

From the perspective of culture conflict, it is somehow impressive.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is was good Japanese/British Drama Christmas movie in World War II and friendship.