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Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

1983·Movie
2h 4min·R
71
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb7.2Metacritic536.9Rotten Tomatoes86%78%
IMDb7.2Metacritic536.9Rotten Tomatoes86%78%

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Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style, light on feelings.

Energy

Tense

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension7
  • Spectacle6
  • Violence6

Heart

Moving and melancholic

  • Pathos8
  • Melancholy7
  • Catharsis7

Humor

Some dark humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor5
  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Cringe Humor2

World

History, war, and the mind

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances, characters, and direction

Layered plot that rewards full attention.

  • Acting9
  • Character Depth9
  • Direction8

Style

Standout score and cinematography

  • Music Composition9
  • Music Centrality9
  • Cinematography8

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Java, 1942 — A clash of cultures, a test of the human spirit.

Island of Java, 1942, during World War II. British Major Jack Celliers arrives at a Japanese prison camp, run by the strict Captain Yonoi. Colonel John Lawrence, who has a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, and Sergeant Hara, brutal and simpleton, will witness the struggle of wills between two men from very different backgrounds who are tragically destined to clash.
World War II DramaPsychological TensionCultural ClashCaptivity and FreedomComplex CharactersEmotional RestraintAtmospheric ScoreJapanese Prison CampExistential Themes

Crew

Directed by:
Nagisa Ōshima, Lee Tamahori, Roger Pulvers
Written by:
Nagisa Ōshima, Paul Mayersberg, Laurens van der Post
Produced by:
Masato Hara, Jeremy Thomas, Larry Parr
Composed by:
Ryuichi Sakamoto, Mike Westgate, Eugene Arts

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence legally?

YouTube TVCriterionShout! Factory TVPlexTubi TV

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is included with a subscription to YouTube TV in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, and Plex. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence worth watching?

71
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 86%, and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence rated?

RViolenceDisturbing imagery

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.

How long is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?

2 h 4 min

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence runs 2 h 4 min.

Is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence based on a true story?

No. It's adapted from a novel.

Do critics and audiences agree on Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?

Critics70
Audiences73

Yes. Critics average 70 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence much the same way.

What language is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence in?

JapaneseEnglish

It was made in Japanese, with some English. Produced in Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom.

In how many countries can I watch Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?

28ATAUBEBRCACHCLCODEDKESFIFRGB+14

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence in 28 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence use?

Odd FriendshipStalking is LoveBeware the Nice OnesDeliberate Values DissonanceDeath RowEverybody CriesEating the Eye CandyHollywood Tone-DeafP.O.W. AbuseTall, Dark, and HandsomeLove at First SightTrying Not to Cryand 49 more

TV Tropes lists 61 storytelling tropes for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, including Odd Friendship, Stalking is Love, Beware the Nice Ones.