Full disclaimer: surprisingly MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE is not technically a Christmas movie. However, that being said, it’s still an excellent film, and I think for the sake of this year’s collection, it deserves to make it in solely because of its apparently festive title.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE came out in 1983 and was directed by Nagisa ÅŒshima. I heard about this movie through its soundtrack. We were at a very nice vinyl bar in Tokyo and once the bartender put on this record, I was instantly mesmerized.
The soundtrack, composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, is truly unforgettable, and Sakamoto also stars in the movie itself. And that’s not all; the other main actor is David Bowie. Both musicians shine in their respective roles as Captain Yonoi and Major Celliers.
For a movie starring two pop stars, what stands out is how genuine their acting feels. But I think the reason the movie truly works is because the story itself is so captivating. MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE, while not really about Christmas, is about the pointlessness of war and how two opposing sides—here, the Japanese and the Allied forces during World War II—each have their own rights and wrongs. No one or no country is portrayed as entirely good or bad, and the movie shows how, deep down, they are much more similar than they realize. Layered throughout are elements of romance, friendship, and a fundamental love of humanity.
In all fairness, it isn’t a light movie, but it does feel so ahead of its time. So if you’re looking to take a break from the saccharine allure of the North Pole and opt for a WWII POW camp in Indonesia, I recommend MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE. This film is now available to rent or buy wherever you get your movies.
