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….
✓ Released: [realease]
✓ Runtime : 124 minutes
✓ Genre: Drama, History, War
✓ Stars: David Bowie, Tom Conti, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Kitano, Jack Thompson
✓ Director: Jeremy Thomas, Lee Tamahori, Joyce Herlihy, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Paul Mayersberg
The Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) is another solid showing, complete with good performances and an intriguing mystery, but there's a lack of artistic ambition here that keeps it from elevating to the higher tiers of the genre.Although its storytelling isn't particularly innovative, The Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) is an absorbing piece of television, with the potential to boost the appeal of Polish productions for an international audience."
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983) is staring with David Bowie, Tom Conti, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Kitano, Jack Thompson, a compelling, flawed story of true crime and obsession - and its flaws are part of what make it so intriguing. the movie can be very difficult to watch; it's haunting and incredibly sad. But that's also what made it all the more moving, in the end, to see the survivors join together: bonding, smiling, and living their lives in the light.
What gives Cursed its edge is the source material, which subverts centuries of lore and oppressive systems. The Netflix adaptation isn't nearly as captivating, but it still manages to be a quaint escape from reality. For better or worse, filmmaker Jeremy Thomas, Lee Tamahori, Joyce Herlihy, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Paul Mayersberg juggles two parallel storylines. Basketball fans will be able to follow along with no problem, most already familiar with the story, but newcomers might find all the jumping around confusing.