Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
1983, Japanese. Directed by Nagisa Ōshima.
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.
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.3/10 from 556 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is streaming on YouTube TV in India.
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Tubi TVAvailability in India as of 12 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Nagisa ŌshimaDirector
- David BowieCelliers
- Tom ContiLawrence
- Ryuichi SakamotoYonoi
- Takeshi KitanoHara
- Jack ThompsonHicksley
- Johnny OhkuraKanemoto
- Alistair BrowningDe Jong
- James MalcolmCelliers' Brother
- Chris BrounCelliers (12 Years)
- Yuya UchidaCommandant of Military Prison
- Ryūnosuke KanedaPresident of the Court
- Takashi NaitoLieutenant Iwata
Details
- Released
- 28 May 1983
- Original title
- 戦場のメリークリスマス
- Country
- Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom
- Written by
- Nagisa Ōshima, Paul Mayersberg
- Box office
- $2.3M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is based on
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is based on The Night of the New Moon, a novel by Laurens van der Post.
Novel
The Night of the New Moon
By Laurens van der Post
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence: quick answers
Is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 556 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Does Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence on?
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is streaming on YouTube TV in India. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?
If you liked Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, try Flags of Our Fathers, The Thin Red Line, Pork Chop Hill.
Who directed Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence?
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) was directed by Nagisa Ōshima and stars David Bowie, Tom Conti, Ryuichi Sakamoto.
What is Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence based on?
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is based on The Night of the New Moon, a novel by Laurens van der Post.