Movie
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is available to stream on The Criterion Channel, Plex, Pluto TV, Shout! Factory TV, Tubi, and YouTube in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
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.
More about Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
Cast
David BowieCelliers
Tom ContiLawrence
Ryuichi SakamotoYonoi
Takeshi KitanoHara
Jack ThompsonHicksley
Johnny OhkuraKanemoto
Alistair BrowningDe JongCredits
- Directed by
- Nagisa Ōshima
- Written by
- Paul Mayersberg, Nagisa Ōshima, Laurens van der Post
Production details
- Status
- Released
- Original language
- Japanese
- Original title
- 戦場のメリークリスマス
- Box office
- $2.3M
Production
Recorded Picture CompanyUnited Kingdom- National Film Trustee CompanyUnited Kingdom
- Antares-Nova
- Oshima ProductionsJapan
- Broadbank InvestmentsNew Zealand
Asahi Broadcasting CorporationJapan
Themes
You may also like
More movies like Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.
