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Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) Reviews

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)
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Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence was the first English-language project of Japanese director Nagisa Oshima (Death by Hanging, In the Realm of the Senses). In tune with his previous filmic essays on racism and brutality, Merry Christmas concentrates on a war of wills between rebellious POW David Bowie and camp commandant Ryuichi Sakomoto. Assuming that his other prisoners' unwillingness to protest their cruel treatment is a sign of weakness, Sakomoto is most impressed by Bowie's enigmatic defiance. While Bowie and Sakomoto seem to be operating on a high spiritual and intellectual plane, bilingual prisoner Tom Conti (the "Mr. Lawrence" of the title) engages in a more standard adversarial relationship with sadistic sergeant Takeshi Kitano. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
David Bowie, Tom Conti, (more)
Director(s):
Nagisa Oshima
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(16 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Susan P.

I have seen this movie several times and have purchased a copy. It is a fascinating study in POW treatment and psychology, also what drives certain psychosexual and sadistic behaviors. David Bowie is wonderful, he lends a quiet dignity to this movie. He proved with this film that he is a good actor with presence on screen, as well as a charismatic singer.

Yes   |   No


Doris A.

This movie is absolutely unbelievable. The Cannes press called it the "gay River Kwai" and so it is. Though based on a novel/memoir by a British prisoner, Oshima's film is thoroughly Japanese, quiet, beautiful and completely thought out. Best of all is the casting: David Bowie! looking like a Greek God, an object of lust/love/obsession/who knows what? by the camp commandant, played by the Japanese David Bowie, ergo, just as gorgeous. When these two confront one another and their eyes meet, the earth moves. Quite a movie.

Yes   |   No


Lisa W.

1 of the best movies i have ever seen.intelligent,well written,acted and directed.it will remind you of 'cool hand luke' you will smile,cry,and you will see david bowie like never before.

Yes   |   No


Ann C.

One of the most complex and intriguing movies I've ever watched. I'm delighted that it has been reissued by Criterion, as I have been looking for it. It is filled with heart-stopping scenes, especially the one when David Bowie, buried up to his neck in sand, says softly "I wish I could sing." This one is worthy of many, many viewings.

Yes   |   No


Robert T.

Just a great film. Probably only the second time I have seen it since 1983. Just loved seeing it again. Tom Conti and Bowie were great. Music was just fantastic. A real treat.

Yes   |   No


Jack A.

Not too bad a movie---it was interesting. Doesn't cause you to sit on the edge of your recliner, of course. Jack A.

Yes   |   No


Cheryl G.

This was a weird albeit interesting movie.

Yes   |   No


Leonard U.

Movie unwatchable. SOUND KEPT FADING IN AND out. May be on lower end of blu-ray scale (480p). Which makes in blu-ray (barely). Do not resend.

Yes   |   No


Randy H.

I really didn't care for this move.Wasn't what I expected.

Yes   |   No


Ronald D.

Movie was just ok

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (16)
     
    Susan P.

    I have seen this movie several times and have purchased a copy. It is a fascinating study in POW treatment and psychology, also what drives certain psychosexual and sadistic behaviors. David Bowie is wonderful, he lends a quiet dignity to this movie. He proved with this film that he is a good actor with presence on screen, as well as a charismatic singer.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Doris A.

    This movie is absolutely unbelievable. The Cannes press called it the "gay River Kwai" and so it is. Though based on a novel/memoir by a British prisoner, Oshima's film is thoroughly Japanese, quiet, beautiful and completely thought out. Best of all is the casting: David Bowie! looking like a Greek God, an object of lust/love/obsession/who knows what? by the camp commandant, played by the Japanese David Bowie, ergo, just as gorgeous. When these two confront one another and their eyes meet, the earth moves. Quite a movie.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Lisa W.

    1 of the best movies i have ever seen.intelligent,well written,acted and directed.it will remind you of 'cool hand luke' you will smile,cry,and you will see david bowie like never before.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 16 Reviews
       

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