Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (The Criterion Collection)

This is an obvious masterpiece and so sophisticated on so many levels I can't possibly find the time to truly review it the way I want but here are my thoughts.I see this film as a Humanist anti war piece, it is equally graphic in its beauty and violence.It's also an authentic reminder of what happens when people do not tolerate others as they are.Whatever decisions we make, whatever we do in this life we are human beings.The extremes are mesmerizingly lifelike, beyond surreal.The casting of the androgynous David Bowie as the enigmatic Jack Celliers is genius, he doesn't seem the soldier type but we all know he was in real life.I was impressed he could actually lift and carry Tom Conti, the sincere Colonel Lawrence.Both actors give Oscar worthy performances, as do all the cast. Very professional and inspired.Actor/Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto deserves special mention for his sublime portrayal of the Captain Yonoi and the beautiful film score.There are many nuanced layers in this film, it's not possible to fully explain, it must be experienced.It is a fine allegory for the absurdity of war itself, it is so useless to seek the destruction of a person or people. That is not our purpose in this life.It's been said Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence is at times erotic but I don't really see it. There is an underlying homoerotic nuance throughout, but it isn't the purpose of this film, even though there's basically no female participation in the story.I do find it regrettable that many Gays were so brutally chastised during wartime.Not necessary.I'm a little disappointed with the graininess of this Criterion Blu-ray (as usual), it was processed at 2k on a 4k device?! Why not go all the way!Ugh.Beautiful film, a Cinematic art piece.Love it.

Powerful, unforgettable movie with excellent performances by every actor. And the soundtrack! I saw this movie many years ago, but was unable to forget certain scenes or the music, particularly the track during which Bowie walks slowly forward while obviously considering the consequences of the action he's about to take, and kisses the Japanese general on the cheek. The music "speaks" the scene so that you will never forget it or any irreversible action you witness or you're about to make in your own life. I created the music on my flute, and it's quite the piece translated for a bansuri flute! But not quite as good as the original, I'm afraid, that is etched into my soul. This haunting music,so masterfully written and performed, caused me to finally just break down and purchase the DVD so that I could see the movie again AND have the music. A worthy purchase it is.

This is a 5 star masterwork. Anything less is an insult. I've owned the vhs for many years, and to finally see this incredible film in hi-def is nothing less than Stunning. Everything is done to perfection. This wonderful blue-ray package and booklet from Criterion is a 'must have'. You will not be disappointed.

I saw this film when it was first released and was moved by it. Without being overly graphic, it depicts the brutality of Japanese POW camps and the philosophical disagreement within the Japanese army ranks of how POW's should be treated. I've described this movie, or at least tried to explain it to many people. Now that I have this on DVD, I have been able to show it to them and they begin to understand. What gets people, is the subtlety. The movie has some weird "story within the story" flashbacks and some of the things like Japanese spirit superstitions are assumed by the director to be common knowledge. This is what catches viewers by surprise when they find themselves crying at the end of the movie and they can't figure out why. The main story line of Mr. Lawrence and Sgt. Hara, is the classic "does anything about war make sense" question. They both are trying to make sense in a senseless world.

I saw this movie when it was first released. I went because David Bowie was the lead and I was inteigued. But I was moved by the music and this movie led me to the composer Ryuichi Sakamoto who composed for movies The Last Emporer and The Revenant.The movie was examining the East and West Point of view about war, honor, and life. I was too young to appreciate the depth of this movie. Each time I saw it, I appreciated it more.The version of DVD is very high quality. It is worth every penny of the price.

You can watch it because you are a David Bowie fan or just watch it because you like war movies. I bought it because I had seen it when I was a teenager and was glad it was a available to own.

very nice

I really liked this movie. It's old so take it with a grain of salt. It's not very Christmasy. It shows POWs in Japan during ww2. Good story.

I guess it's mostly interesting for fans of one of the two main (rock) stars, because it has not aged very well in my opinion. Best performance by Tom Conti though. The story is ok, but not all that fascinating.

I’m a bid okie fan so this was a great addition to my collection.I heard of this movie but had never seen it before.The character suited Bowie. His diverse pick of roles suits his acting abilities.He was always able to push the envelope in both music and film.

Critrion quality reissue purchased on sale for my David Bowie movie collection. His best roll since The man who fell to Earth, apart from The Hunger-but he is killed off early in that movie so I do not include that in my comparison

When it comes to acting this was definitely Bowie's finest hour. A story about Japanese POW camp, not the first one ever made but quite possibly the first made by a Japanese director. Good movie probably a little generous to the Japanese considering some of the horror stories I've heard but well worth the watch.

So pleased to own this film. The extras are informative and lengthy and interesting as is the movie. Every Bowie fan should have this.