Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence poster

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

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

7.3(551)19832h 4m9

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.

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Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
$2.3M
Language
English
  • based on novel or book
  • war crimes
  • world war ii
  • prisoner of war
  • pacific war
  • court martial
  • prison camp
  • meditative
  • 1940s
  • java, indonesia
  • depressing
  • complicated

Top billed cast

Behind the camera

Produced in

Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom

Where to watch

All options

Availability for United States. Provided by JustWatch through the TMDB API.

Gallery

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Videos

Release dates

  • United StatesUS

    • TheatricalRNew York City, New York26 Aug 1983
    • TheatricalR2 Sept 1983
  • United KingdomGB

    • Theatrical1525 Aug 1983
  • AustraliaAU

    • TheatricalM22 Sept 1983
  • BelgiumBE

    • TheatricalGent8 Sept 1983
  • BrazilBR

    • Theatrical21 Sept 1984
  • CzechiaCZ

    • TVČT213 May 2004
  • DenmarkDK

    • Theatrical1517 Jun 1983
  • FinlandFI

    • TheatricalK-1814 Oct 1983
  • FranceFR

    • PremiereCannes Film Festival11 May 1983
    • TheatricalU1 Jun 1983
  • GermanyDE

    • Theatrical162 Dec 1983
  • IrelandIE

    • Theatrical15A9 Dec 1983
  • ItalyIT

    • TheatricalVM144 Feb 1984

Frequently asked questions

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence was released on 28 May 1983.

Audience reviews

1
  • C

    CinemaSerf

    4/14/2022

    7/10

    This offers a really poignant look at what we might describe as mutual insanity. "Maj. Celliers" (David Bowie) is convicted by the occupying Japanese on the island of Java on citing rebellion. With hindsight, perhaps he would rather not have been, but he is spared the firing squad and sent to the POW camp of "Col Yonoi" (Ryuichi Sakamoto) who leaves much of the day to day brutality to his henchman "Sgt. Hara" (Takesh…

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