Nagisa Ōshima's movie "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" is the perfect anti-Christmas film for those who feel like spending their holiday pondering the relativity of good and evil, right and wrong in the world we live in. Despite the fact that the movie was released in 1983 and its events take place in a Japanese POW camp during World War II, it has not lost any of its relevance. For music connoisseurs, this hidden gem can also be intriguing thanks to the roles played by important figures in music history: David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
In order to explain the origin of the movie’s title, we should not start in chronological order. Sergeant Gengo Hara, who shortly before had sentenced to death one of his favorite prisoners, Mr. Lawrence, because of a crime he obviously didn't commit, suddenly gets drunk on sake and becomes kinder. He pretends to be Santa Claus, giving life to a British prisoner on a fictitious Christmas. We all know how often people do stupid things while intoxicated, but it turns out even evil can find a drop of humanity after half a liter of sake. However, is this sergeant indeed that evil?
At the end of the film, four years later, we see Mr. Lawrence visiting his former captor, who has been sentenced to death, and the latter tells him: "I'm ready to die, but I don't understand. My crimes were not different from any other soldiers."
Hearing such words, one is immediately reminded of "Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil", Hannah Arendt's book describing the trial of former Gestapo Obersturmbannführer Adolf Eichmann. At the trial, she did not see a fraction of remorse from Eichmann for his criminal acts, as he said he was only doing his job and duty, just as Gengo Hara says. Hannah Arendt in her work tries to separate responsibility from intent with a cold mind. Mr. Lawrence, on the other hand, answers the sergeant's question in the film in a more melancholy way, that there are no right sides here, and that they all have become servants of men convinced they are right. Is it because he owes his life to Gengo Hara, because he developed Stockholm syndrome during his captivity, or simply because Gengo Hara is indeed not all that bad, that Mr. Lawrence feels this way? These are all questions with no clear answer.
The role of Sergeant Gengo Hara is played by the famous Japanese director of extremely violent, touching and quite humorous films, Takeshi Kitano, but he is not the main character here, nor is even Mr. Lawrence. The role of reckless Major of the British Army, Jack Sellers, convincingly played by David Bowie is the true protagonist. His character has an impressive fortitude of spirit, which is repeatedly tried to the breaking pointin the camp. That said, on the eve of his delayed execution, he also shares with Lawrence that his conscience is not at all clear, and how he betrayed his little brother as a child.
After failing to protect his brother at boarding school from peer bullying because he didn't want to ruin his fine reputation by associating with a hunchbacked kid, the younger Sellers, gifted with a marvelous angelic voice, will never sing again. On the eve of his execution, Bowie's character remembers how his brother sang and laments that he will probably never be able to see him again before his death and ask for forgiveness.
The man who once betrayed his beloved little brother, however, finds the strength to stand up for his s ill-favored comrade in misfortune. He literally covers with his chest the imprisoned Air Force Colonel Hicksley in front of the camp captain Yonoi, who had already drawn his sword. Then he kisses the captain on both cheeks, thereby condemning himself to certain death. After that he is literally buried alive, he turns to his brother in his thoughts and receives his forgiveness. Could Jack Sellers, however, forgive himself for his childhood mistake, despite the many good things he did afterward? One never knows.
Captain Yonoi is played by composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. The reserved Captain Yonoi practices traditional samurai sword work and harakiri in his camp. He cannot understand his captive Englishmen who decide to surrender, as he says that if a Japanese soldier was captured, he would rather kill himself immediately out of shame. Captain Yonoi can be quite cruel and spit on the rules of the Geneva Convention, as, for example, in the scene where he forces the severely wounded prisoners to march in formation, ending in the death of one of them, because his body can not withstand such a load. At the same time, when Jack Sellers kisses him on both cheeks he completely loses emotional control, so that his subordinates think that he is possessed by a demon. Before Jack Sellers dies in the sand, Yonoi cuts off a lock of the dying Englishman’s hair to take it to the family temple in his home village. All in all he is also quite a contradictory personality, brilliantly played by the composer, showing us not the banality but the multifaceted nature of evil.
Even more brilliantly, the composer manages to convey all the contradictory nature of what we see in this movie in the soundtrack he created. Despite all the evil, cruelty, and pain we see on the screen, the music accompanying the movie is quite chamber-like and touching, conveying a sense of peace and kindness. If one hears it out of context, no listener would guess that it's a soundtrack to a war movie. Probably that's why it reached the Top 20 singles chart in the UK, won a BAFTA award, and became one of the British, American and Japanese Christmas classics. If you haven't heard this soundtrack, I am strongly recommending including it in this year holiday’s playlist, not only because of its beauty but also as a sorrowful reminder that Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away in 2023. And despite all the spoilers, watch the movie, it's unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.
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FAQs About This Article
wherein an AI reads the article and suggests a few questions that remain unanswered...
Q: How does "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" challenge conventional notions of good and evil, particularly through the characters of Sergeant Gengo Hara, Major Jack Sellers, and Captain Yonoi?
A: "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence," directed by Nagisa Ōshima, presents a nuanced exploration of good and evil, challenging conventional notions through its portrayal of characters like Sergeant Gengo Hara, Major Jack Sellers, and Captain Yonoi.
1. **Sergeant Gengo Hara**: Initially depicted as a cruel and authoritarian figure, Hara's character undergoes a transformation throughout the film. He is shown sentencing Mr. Lawrence to death unfairly, yet later exhibits moments of kindness and humanity, such as pretending to be Santa Claus during a fictitious Christmas celebration. Hara's actions blur the lines between good and evil, suggesting that individuals are complex and capable of both benevolent and malevolent behavior.
2. **Major Jack Sellers**: Played by David Bowie, Major Jack Sellers is a British Army officer with a troubled past. He grapples with feelings of guilt over betraying his younger brother during childhood, which haunts him throughout the film. Despite his internal struggles, Sellers displays acts of courage and selflessness, such as sacrificing himself to save a fellow prisoner. His character challenges the notion of inherent goodness or evilness, highlighting the complexities of human morality.
3. **Captain Yonoi**: Portrayed by composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, Captain Yonoi embodies conflicting principles of honor and cruelty. As a Japanese officer adhering to traditional samurai values, Yonoi demonstrates a strict adherence to discipline and honor. However, he also exhibits acts of brutality, such as disregarding the Geneva Convention and subjecting prisoners to harsh treatment. Yonoi's character represents the duality of good and evil within individuals, showcasing the internal struggles faced by those in positions of authority during wartime.
Overall, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" challenges simplistic notions of good and evil by portraying its characters as multifaceted and morally ambiguous. Through their actions and interactions, the film explores the complexities of human nature and the blurred lines between right and wrong in the context of war and captivity.
Q: In what ways does the film draw parallels with real-life events, such as Hannah Arendt's observations on the banality of evil during the trial of Adolf Eichmann, and how does it explore the complexities of human morality and responsibility?
A: "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" draws parallels with real-life events and explores the complexities of human morality and responsibility in several ways:
1. **Hannah Arendt's Observations on the Banality of Evil**: The film reflects Hannah Arendt's concept of the banality of evil, as observed during the trial of Adolf Eichmann. Arendt argued that individuals like Eichmann, who committed heinous acts during the Holocaust, were not necessarily driven by inherent malice, but rather by a sense of duty and obedience to authority. Similarly, characters in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence," such as Sergeant Gengo Hara and Captain Yonoi, exhibit behavior influenced by their adherence to military hierarchy and cultural norms. Despite their involvement in acts of cruelty, they do not necessarily see themselves as inherently evil, but rather as fulfilling their duties.
2. **Exploration of Human Morality**: The film delves into the complexities of human morality by depicting characters who navigate moral dilemmas within the confines of a Japanese POW camp during World War II. Major Jack Sellers, for example, struggles with guilt over betraying his brother during childhood and wrestles with questions of redemption and forgiveness. Similarly, Mr. Lawrence questions the righteousness of his actions and grapples with the moral ambiguity of his circumstances. These characters' internal conflicts reflect the nuanced nature of morality, illustrating that individuals are capable of both good and evil deeds depending on their circumstances and choices.
3. **Responsibility in Times of Conflict**: "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" also examines the concept of responsibility in times of conflict. Characters like Mr. Lawrence and Major Jack Sellers confront their roles in perpetuating or resisting the injustices of war. Their decisions to act or remain passive in the face of adversity highlight the moral agency of individuals amidst larger societal and political forces. By portraying characters who navigate the complexities of moral responsibility, the film prompts viewers to reflect on their own ethical choices in challenging circumstances.
Q: Can you elaborate on the significance of the film's soundtrack, composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, and how does it contrast with the themes and visuals presented in the movie?
A: The soundtrack of "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence," composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, holds significant artistic and emotional weight within the film, contrasting and complementing the themes and visuals presented on screen.
1. **Contrast with Themes and Visuals**: The soundtrack provides a stark contrast to the themes of war, captivity, and moral ambiguity depicted in the film. While the visuals may convey scenes of conflict, suffering, and human cruelty, Sakamoto's music often evokes a sense of serenity, introspection, and even beauty. This stark contrast creates a poignant juxtaposition, enhancing the emotional impact of both the music and the visuals. For example, Sakamoto's gentle piano melodies may underscore scenes of violence or despair, highlighting the emotional depth and complexity of the characters' experiences.
2. **Emotional Resonance**: Sakamoto's music adds layers of emotional resonance to the film, amplifying the impact of key moments and character interactions. Through his evocative compositions, Sakamoto captures the inner turmoil, longing, and resilience of the characters, conveying their struggles and vulnerabilities with poignancy. The music serves as a powerful narrative tool, enriching the audience's understanding of the characters' motivations and emotional journeys.
3. **Symbolism and Subtext**: Beyond its immediate emotional impact, Sakamoto's soundtrack also carries symbolic and thematic significance within the film. His use of subtle motifs and recurring themes subtly reinforces key narrative elements and character dynamics. For example, certain musical motifs may mirror the shifting power dynamics between characters or evoke themes of redemption and forgiveness. By weaving these musical motifs throughout the film, Sakamoto adds layers of depth and subtext to the storytelling, enhancing the audience's engagement with the narrative.
4. **Cultural Fusion**: Sakamoto's soundtrack also reflects the cultural fusion inherent in the film, which explores themes of East-West encounter and mutual understanding. His compositions blend elements of traditional Japanese music with Western classical and contemporary influences, reflecting the film's exploration of cultural exchange and identity. This fusion of musical styles contributes to the film's rich tapestry of themes and adds to its cross-cultural resonance.
Overall, Ryuichi Sakamoto's soundtrack for "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" plays a vital role in shaping the film's emotional landscape, enriching its narrative depth, and enhancing its thematic resonance. Through his evocative compositions, Sakamoto adds layers of meaning and subtext to the storytelling, creating a profound and immersive cinematic experience for the audience.
