Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence

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Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence
Review added by
Si Wooldridge

Java, 1942 - A clash of cultures, a test of the human spirit...
Certificate: 15
Running Time:
Retail Price: £13.99
Release Date: 24/10/2011
Content Type: Movie

Synopsis:
Japanese auteur Nagisa Oshima's (In the Realm of the Senses) BAFTA winning
English language début, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence unites two classic cult
figures- rock legend David Bowie (in one of his finest roles) and the inimitable
actor/director Takeshi 'Beat' Kitano (Zatoichi).

Adapted by Paul Mayersberg (The Man who Fell to Earth) from the novel by Laurens Van der Post, the film is a riveting exploration of racism, brutality and the sparks that fly when cultures collide, concentrating on a war of wills between enigmatic and rebellious POW Jack Celliers (Bowie) and camp commandant Capt Yonoi (Ryuichi Sakamoto, who also contributes the film's bewitching
score).

Intelligently exploring the psychology of its characters, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence also hints at a sexual attraction between Celliers and Yonoi, and as such is an audacious and original addition to the POW genre.

Special Features:
Exclusive interviews with Nagisa Ôshima, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Jeremy Thomas
The Ôshima Gang: 30 minute making of documentary
Theatrical Trailer