Review of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) by Phil B — 01 May 2010
Nagisa Oshima's very human story of the happenings in a POW camp in Japan during WWII. Oshima unites the differences between East and West showing no wrong side but rather war itself as the evil. The cultural differences are often met with shock from one party to the other yet these differences are beautifully undone as deeper inside the human soul lies a universal world of thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Ryuichi Sakamoto appropriately brings together the East and the West in his original score for the film in which synth heavy music meets Eastern melodies, the film's soundtrack is nothing mind blowing but its use helps complete very heartfelt moments.
A further element to note is the unity of acting styles of East and West although very different were both as equally potent and moving.
This review of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) was written by Phil B on 01 May 2010.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
