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Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence

David Bowie (Actor), Tom Conti (Actor), Nagisa Ôshima (Director, Writer) Rated:
R
Format: DVD
4.5 out of 5 stars 788 ratings
IMDb7.2/10.0
$36.06
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Purchase options and add-ons

Format Anamorphic, Full Screen, NTSC
Contributor David Bowie, Alistair Browning, Joyce Herlihy, Yûya Uchida, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Paul Mayersberg, Johnny Ohkura, Chris Broun, Geoffrey Nethercott, Eiko Oshima, Jeremy Thomas, Nagisa Ôshima, Laurens van der Post, Takeshi Kitano, Tom Conti, Takashi Naitô, Ryûnosuke Kaneda, James Malcolm, Jack Thompson See more
Language English, French
Runtime 2 hours and 3 minutes
Color Color
Playback Region 2 : This will not play on most DVD players sold in the U.S., U.S. Territories, Canada, and Bermuda. See other DVD options under “Other Formats & Versions”. Learn more about DVD region specifications here

Product details

  • Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 1.77:1
  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ R (Restricted)
  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.1 x 5.42 x 0.58 inches; 2.93 ounces
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Nagisa Ôshima
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ Anamorphic, Full Screen, NTSC
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 2 hours and 3 minutes
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ David Bowie, Tom Conti, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Kitano, Jack Thompson
  • Dubbed: ‏ : ‎ French, English
  • Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ French
  • Producers ‏ : ‎ Eiko Oshima, Geoffrey Nethercott, Jeremy Thomas, Joyce Herlihy
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English (Dolby Digital 2.0), French (Dolby Digital 2.0)
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00004VYDC
  • Writers ‏ : ‎ Laurens van der Post, Nagisa Ôshima, Paul Mayersberg
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 788 ratings

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
788 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the movie to be great, with one noting its gripping plot and another describing it as an unusual WWII film. The Japanese actors receive praise for their excellent performances.

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Movie qualityCast
8 customers mention "Movie quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the movie great, with one customer describing it as unusual and different, while another notes its gripping plot.

"...In summary, this is a very unusual WWII movie, but well worth the time you need to invest in understanding the character development of the Allied..." Read more

"Love this movie and not just because of that David Bowie content. It's a sad story but has elements of strength and mateship" Read more

"I watched this movie quite awhile ago, and while, it was interesting and sort of a different concept, I don't remember it exactly, as I watch quite..." Read more

"...Saw it before, rented it and it was OK, but not as good as I remember it." Read more

3 customers mention "Cast"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the cast of the movie, particularly noting the excellent performances by the Japanese actors.

"...Fortunately, the Japanese actors are very good with facial expressions and body language, which provide some insight into what is going on...." Read more

"Excellent in depth with acting and context intact with presentation of the harm of being over righteous in a web of superstition which is the..." Read more

"Great film with a great cast, including David Bowie, Tom Conti, musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, Jack Thompson & more...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Lynn G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars West vs. East in WWII (Warning: no English subtitles for Japanese dialog)
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    I originally saw this movie many years ago on a cable premium movie channel, and I think that version had either English subtitles or dubbed English vocals for the Japanese dialog. Anyway, the particular VHS version offered here by Amazon has neither. Amazon's product description does not warn potential purchasers of this "missing piece." That said, I am glad that I decided to purchase this movie (VHS video) so that I could see it again. Also, for you viewers who are members of the NetFlix or Blockbuster rental video service, a Region 1 DVD is not available (as of Feb. 2007).

    This movie is one of the most unique and interesting WWII movies I have ever seen. Tom Conti (Lawrence) and Davie Bowie (Celliers) give knockout performances. The Japanese actors are equally excellent. With the lack of subtitles, one has to guess what is transpiring when the characters are speaking Japanese (quite a lot of Japanese dialog). Fortunately, the Japanese actors are very good with facial expressions and body language, which provide some insight into what is going on.

    Some reviewers have compared "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" with "The Bridge On the River Kwai" (1957). The former reflects the sensibilities of a Japanese director, and the latter the sensibilities of a British director (David Lean). Therefore, IMO, a direct comparison is not really meaningful. These two films are so very different in many ways. I also think that "Merry Christmas..." is not so much a "war movie" as it is a study in the contrast of Japanese culture and values with Western ones. The plot also explores, with the Celliers' character, the tortured mind of a man who finds himself in the most desperate of circumstances.

    In summary, this is a very unusual WWII movie, but well worth the time you need to invest in understanding the character development of the Allied and Japanese soldiers without benefit of English subtitles. Perhaps sometime in the near future, this movie will be released in a Region 1 DVD format with subtitles and some digital restoration of the original film. Such an effort should well reward the owners of this film financially. And, of course, the many lovers of this movie (in Region 1--USA and Canada) will benefit, too.
    23 people found this helpful
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  • "catoshay"
    5.0 out of 5 stars Merry Christmas, Indeed !
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2001
    Verified Purchase
    This movie, of which I went simply for presence of David Bowie, BLEW MY MIND ! With explination, many assume the plot to be that of "The Bridge over River Kwai", a film I have yet to see. I must admit, that after ~15 minutes, David Bowie was no longer the Rock Star, but had convincely become the stoic and hardheaded Jack Celliers, one of the many Australian captives in a Japanese POW camp in Java. Though my initial intention was to see Bowie on screen, this movie has become one of my all time favorites - MANY messages re: life, loyality and humanity through the depths of war. Spectacular performances by Tom Conti, Ryuchi Sackamoto. Thought provoking and emotional ending. "Merry Christmas" to all who watch ! OUTSTANDING soundtrack by Sackamoto - Very haunting which can evoke memories of many of the movie's most emotional turns.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Jonathan Lollar
    5.0 out of 5 stars amazing
    Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    thanks yoongi
    2 people found this helpful
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  • jabadiba
    5.0 out of 5 stars which I like a lot and for me was a must in ...
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    a film I knew from my younger years, which I like a lot and for me was a must in my film collection. you rarely see the music composer as one of the leading roles (riuchi sacamoto)
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this movie and not just because of that David ...
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Love this movie and not just because of that David Bowie content. It's a sad story but has elements of strength and mateship
    One person found this helpful
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  • MG
    1.0 out of 5 stars Won’t play in USA
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Carefully check region
    One person found this helpful
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  • Alyson Montemagno
    3.0 out of 5 stars Prisoner of War Movie
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2009
    Verified Purchase
    I watched this movie quite awhile ago, and while, it was interesting and sort of a different concept, I don't remember it exactly, as I watch quite a few movies. Before I purchased this, I reviewed it on IMDB and read the external reviews and users comments. I usually look for a movie that's moving, something that I shall remember and think about for a few days or every once in awhile you find a movie that changes your thinking or feeling. Of course, there are those special and rare movies, like 'Room At the Top', which has stayed with me forever. I am very moved almost every movie Tom Conti has done. After reading the reviews, it sounded like an unusual and different movie, which it was. I enjoyed hearing Tom Contoi speak Japanese and the whole concept of a prisoner of war camp was different for me to watch. I enjoyed it, and I recall parts being moving but after watching it, by the next day, it sort of left me. I think it was worthwhile seeing though. I had never seen Sting in a movie and he carried his weight.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Edward Louis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Review
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent in depth with acting and context intact with presentation of the harm of being over righteous in a web of superstition which is the epitome of bushido.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • ７７７
    5.0 out of 5 stars 平和への祈りは世界に届くか…？
    Reviewed in Japan on November 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    現在、これを書いている２０２４年１１月の今、世界で２つの大きな戦争が起きている…
    「第３次世界大戦」が、いよいよ現実味を帯びてきている…
    世界戦争になれば、確実に「世界核戦争」になる…
    「日本被団協」がノーベル平和賞を受賞したが、なぜか受けた日本国内で
    「世界から核兵器を無くせ」という主だった動きは見られない。
    実際に「第３次世界大戦」が起き「世界核戦争」と体験しないと、その恐怖や愚かさを
    理解できない国民ならば、あまりに悲劇だ…
    大島渚監督・音楽の坂本龍一など、既に鬼籍に入った人は、かなり多くいる。
    今の報道番組で、左翼系のキャスターやコメンテーターの「世界平和」への
    コメントを聞いても、今の若者世代には響こうとしない。
    映画の主演に、ビートたけしがいる。　テレビの知識人の言葉は聞かなくても、
    ビートたけしの言葉なら聞く若者は、まだ多くいる。
    昭和のビック３と言われたた「タモリ」「明石家さんま」「ビートたけし」の中で
    「平成」「令和」と時代を２つ越えても、ビートたけしだけは
    まだ多くのレギュラー番組を抱えている。
    何年かしたら、つまり今の小学生が中学に上がった時は、ビートたけしの
    言葉すら聞かなくなるかもしれない…　だからこそ、今のティーンエイジャー達に
    この映画を贈りたい…
    日本映画での戦争物と言えば、爆撃で人や家が焼かれたり、死体を山積み
    されたりとの描写が多いが、この作品は日本軍が南の島で捕虜を大量に
    施設へ監禁している物語。
    タイトルに「戦場の…」とは付いていても、派手な銃撃戦などは無く、
    静かに、そして残酷に人々の物語は描かれる…
    大島渚監督が、この映画で起用した２人の天才が「世界の北野武」
    「世界の坂本龍一・音楽」と、世界の映画界を変えて行った…
    特に、坂本龍一が作曲した、この映画のメインテーマを聴いた事が無い人は、
    絶対に一聴すべきである。
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  • Flo G
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un film à voir et à revoir !
    Reviewed in France on November 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Très bien emballé et en très bon état
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  • AJOB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good but harrowing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A good transfer to blu ray, The film itself is difficult to watch right from the start but it's superbly acted and directed. Based on a true story that needed to be told. Humanity at its best and worst, we can only hope the lessons from history are learned.
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  • Thomas M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars David BowieŽs bester Film...
    Reviewed in Germany on December 25, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Diese Rezension bezieht sich auf die DVD-Version von ARTHAUS. Der Film ist ist in voller Länge ( 118 min. ) enthalten, wobei ca. 10 min. des Films in Englisch mit deutschen Untertiteln gezeigt werden. Ton gibts in Deutsch und Englisch, beide Spuren sind sehr laut und klar. Ich habe den Film auf der PS3 über HDMI angesehen, und musste die Lautstärke eher drosseln, weil der Tön schön laut ist. In Szenen wo sowohl Dialog wie Musik zu hören sind ist, sind die Stimmen der Darsteller vielleicht etwas überlagert, aber niemals so das man die Dialoge nicht versteht. Für einen Film aus den frühen 80er Jahren finde ich die Tonqualität sehr gut. Für die Bildqualität gilt das gleiche, bis auf wenige Ausnahmen ist das Bild sauber.

    Zum Film selbst : Es handelt sich um ein packendes Kriegsgefangenen-Drama, das sich in Java 1942 abspielt. Dabei kommt es zum "Culture Clash" zwischen Europäischen Alliierten und Japanischen Soldaten. Der Film bietet eine spannende Atmosphäre,ausgezeichnete Darsteller, und einen orginellen Soundtrack. Besonders David Bowie spielt hier eine beeindruckende Rolle, sein Schicksal in dieser Geschichte dürfte auch hartgesottene zum nachdenken bewegen. Ich hatte den Film als Kind mal im Free-TV gesehen und einige Bilder und der Soundtrack haben sich so richtig eingebrannt. Und jetzt ca. 25 Jahre später hatte ich mich mal wieder daran erinnert und habe mal gestöbert ob der Film auf DVD erhältlich ist. Als ich die DVD bestellte waren meine Erwartungen nicht so hoch, weil das immer so eine Sache ist mit Kindheitserinnerungen. Umso erstaunter war ich als den Film jetzt wieder gesehen habe. Der Zahn der Zeit konnte "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence" nicht das geringste anhaben und allen die diesen Film noch nie oder wie ich lange Zeit nicht gesehen haben, kann ich den Kauf dieser DVD nur empfehlen.
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  • Deni
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great classic movie
    Reviewed in Australia on November 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Product is as described, fantastic Bowie classic movie.
    English version with all subtitles correct for non english speaking parts. Bluray region B works in Australian DVD players, no issues.
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