Drama Movies:

Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence

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Mature

Mature

Suitable for mature persons.

NOTE: Moderate themes and violence

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3.9 out of 5 stars Based on 9 Customer Ratings

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"A must see Movie."
4 stars"
Purchased on Mighty Ape

This is a great war classic. A must see the movie. David Bowie at his best.

Description

Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence

In the crucible of war, men kill without remorse.

This powerful prisoner-of-war drama features a stunning cast – including David Bowie in one of his greatest roles – and is the first English-language film by acclaimed Japanese director Nagisa Oshima (In the Realm of the Senses).

Set in Java at a Japanese POW camp in 1942, a war of wills – and unspoken erotic attraction – unfolds between a rebellious prisoner, David Bowie, and camp commandant Ryuichi Sakomoto, who is impressed by Bowie's defiance; while bilingual prisoner Tom Conti (Mr. Lawrence) engages in a more adversarial relationship with sadistic sergeant Takeshi Kitano (Hana Bi), who finally offers Lawrence a sinister ‘Christmas’ present.

Fine performances by Conti, Kitano (his first dramatic role), Sakamoto (his acting debut, he also contributed the memorable score) and Bowie, combined with stunning cinematography and brilliant direction by one of Japan’s finest filmmakers, make this a memorable and compelling war drama.

Special Features:

  • The Oshima Gang: The Making Of Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence
  • Interviews with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jeremy Thomas
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Umbrella Trailers

Critic Reviews:

  • " If you can excuse the sight of the then 35-year-old David Bowie in a school uniform, this will prove most rewarding. " – David Parkinson
  • " Mr. Oshima has staged the film in a spacious tropical setting and filled it with a great number of extras. Even so, Mr. Bowie always stands out from the crowd. " – Janet Maslin
  • " A compelling cross-cultural study of friendship and bravery " – Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Release date Australia
May 16th, 2008
Movie Format
DVD Region
  • Region 4
Collection
Aspect Ratio
  • 1.78 : 1
Character
Language
English
Length (Minutes)
118
Subtitles
English
Supported Audio
  • Dolby Digital Surround 2.0
Genre
Original Release Year
2008
Box Dimensions (mm)
135x190x14
UPC
3000000065181
Product ID
1557961

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