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Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983) 7.1
In 1942 British soldier Jack Celliers comes to a Japanese prison camp. The camp is run by Yonoi, who has a firm belief in discipline, honor and glory. In his view, the allied prisoners are ... See full summary » Director:Nagisa Ôshima |
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Title: Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (1983)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| David Bowie | ... | ||
| Tom Conti | ... | ||
| Ryûichi Sakamoto | ... | ||
| Takeshi Kitano | ... |
Sgt. Gengo Hara
(as Takeshi)
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| Jack Thompson | ... | ||
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Johnny Okura | ... |
Kanemoto
(as Johnny Ohkura)
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| Alistair Browning | ... |
De Jong
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James Malcolm | ... |
Celliers' Brother
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Chris Broun | ... |
Celliers aged 12
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Yûya Uchida | ... |
Commandant of Military Prison
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Ryûnosuke Kaneda | ... |
President of the Court
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Takashi Naitô | ... |
Lt. Iwata
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Tamio Ishikura | ... |
Prosecutor
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Rokko Toura | ... |
Interpreter
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Kan Mikami | ... |
Lt. Ito
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Edit
Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
Storyline
In 1942 British soldier Jack Celliers comes to a Japanese prison camp. The camp is run by Yonoi, who has a firm belief in discipline, honor and glory. In his view, the allied prisoners are cowards when they chose to surrender instead of committing suicide. One of the prisoners, interpreter John Lawrence, tries to explain the Japanese way of thinking, but is considered a traitor. Written by Mattias Thuresson
Taglines:
Java, 1942 - A clash of cultures, a test of the human spirit.Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Release Date:
2 September 1983 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence See more »Box Office
Gross:
SEK 1,627,497 (Sweden)Company Credits
Production Co:
Recorded Picture Company (RPC), National Film Trustees, Oshima Productions See more »
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
Color (Eastmancolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] Wake up, Lawrence.
Colonel Lawrence: [in Japanese] What is it? Why so early, Sergeant Hara?
Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] Hurry up!
Group Capt. Hicksley: What does he want?
Colonel Lawrence: [in English] I'll find out?
Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] What?
Group Capt. Hicksley: You don't have to take orders from this man, you know, Lawrence.
Colonel Lawrence: Well, I'm the liaison officer, so I'm liaising.
Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] What did he say?
[...]
See more »
Composed and Performed by Ryûichi Sakamoto
Sung by David Sylvian
See more »
Did You Know?
Goofs
In the final scene in the prison cell, the cross belt of Lt Col Lawrence's Sam Browne is fitted back to front. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] Wake up, Lawrence.
Colonel Lawrence: [in Japanese] What is it? Why so early, Sergeant Hara?
Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] Hurry up!
Group Capt. Hicksley: What does he want?
Colonel Lawrence: [in English] I'll find out?
Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] What?
Group Capt. Hicksley: You don't have to take orders from this man, you know, Lawrence.
Colonel Lawrence: Well, I'm the liaison officer, so I'm liaising.
Sgt. Gengo Hara: [in Japanese] What did he say?
[...]
See more »
Soundtracks
"Forbidden Colours"Composed and Performed by Ryûichi Sakamoto
Sung by David Sylvian
See more »
I remembered watching this movie when I was younger and it affecting me a lot. Well, I re-watched it recently and it has lost none of it's power.
The acting in the movie is adequate without ever being great (the notable exception being Tom Conti who is fantastic in his role as the misunderstood titular character).
However, the movie moves beyond the acting and once you are embroiled in the atmosphere and realism you become oblivious to any acting shortcomings.
The movie must be one of the most accurate depictions of human nature in a war. It has a diverse range of characters yet none of them becomes a caricature. It certainly doesn't sink into the good vs evil mindset that many war movies do.
The violence is graphic and shocking despite lacking the visceral realism of Spielberg's later war movies.
The ending of the movie still affects me, even after repeated viewings. I still have to a lump or two to stop from crying even now.
Overall, recommended for anyone with an interest in a non-stereotypical movie about war. Not for the faint of heart though.