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MTDb › Best of › 1983 › Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence poster

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)

“Java, 1942 — A clash of cultures, a test of the human spirit.”

7.3/10 · 549 votes 2h 4m r DramaHistoryWar

#11 of 39 films from 1983 #1254 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Nagisa Ōshima · Written by Nagisa Ōshima, Paul Mayersberg, Laurens van der Post

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

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.

Cast

David Bowieas Celliers
Tom Contias Lawrence
Ryuichi Sakamotoas Yonoi
Takeshi Kitanoas Hara
Jack Thompsonas Hicksley
Johnny Ohkuraas Kanemoto
Alistair Browningas De Jong
James Malcolmas Celliers' Brother
Chris Brounas Celliers (12 Years)
Yuya Uchidaas Commandant of Military Prison
Ryūnosuke Kanedaas President of the Court
Takashi Naitoas Lieutenant Iwata
Tamio Ishikuraas Prosecutor
Rokkō Touraas Interpreter

Facts

Release dateMay 28, 1983
Runtime124 min (2h 4m) — longer as the 1983 average of 105 min
GenresDrama, History, War
Original title戦場のメリークリスマス
LanguageJA
Box office$2,306,560
IMDbtt0085933

More from Nagisa Ōshima

In the Realm of the SensesIn the Realm of the Senses1976 · ★ 6.6 · 1h 42m

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Questions

How long is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.3/10 across 549 votes, which places it #11 of 39 films released in 1983 in this index (top 74%) and #1254 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence was directed by Nagisa Ōshima. Other well-rated titles by the same director: In the Realm of the Senses (1976).
Who stars in Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?
David Bowie as Celliers; Tom Conti as Lawrence; Ryuichi Sakamoto as Yonoi; Takeshi Kitano as Hara; Jack Thompson as Hicksley; Johnny Ohkura as Kanemoto.
What is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/95374.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.