Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence

David Bowie appears on the cover of this film, in spite of having one of the smaller major roles. After you see the movie you no longer question his presence there. His performance is magnificent. Watch for the understated behaviour regarding the flower.

This film is memorable because of a tremendous cast (including Jack Thompson- who keeps popping up in war movies) and a wonderful soundtrack by Ryuichi Sakamoto, who also performs in the movie. The soundtrack captures the jungle feeling, coupled with Japanese moods. Forbidden colours (song) has been known to give me goosebumps.

Very much, not your average War movie, _Merry Christmas Mister Lawrence_ is excellent because it portrays the relationship between captor and captive, victor and defeated. It's a movie about human spirit and love under dangerous circumstances! It's a movie about discipline and honour, especially the different way these are perceived.