Review of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) by Tim W — 16 Sep 2007

One of the oddest war films I?ve ever seen ? a PoW drama starring David Bowie, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Takeshi (as in the bloke who owns the Castle). A genuine actor like Tom Conti feels a bit out of place? However, it?s an intriguing story of culture clash and a battle of wills between Bowie?s laconic, haunted Major Celliers (a decent showing proving he has acting ability beyond playing himself) and Sakamoto?s camp commandant, all observed Conti?s title character, a British officer who knows Japanese culture and tries to mediate between the Japanese and their allied captives.

Sakamoto?s sweeping score (including ?Forbidden Colours?), some stylish direction from Oshima and a gripping narrative add up to a superb, under-rated film.