MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE

During WWII, British soldier Jack Celliers is captured by Japanese forces and held in a camp run by Capt. Yonoi and Sgt. Hara. Yonoi develops an obsession with Celliers who is defiant in the face of their old ideas. Meanwhile, a translator tries to find common ground between their opposing beliefs.

Nagisa Oshima’s ravishing war film is fueled by charged, unforgettable performances from no less than David Bowie, Takeshi Kitano and Ryuichi Sakamoto (who also composed the film’s haunting synth score). A poignant and seasonal culture-clash drama shot through with queer desire and redemption.