Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)
A solid watch; nobody's raving.
The FilmyChill Score combines audience ratings and critics' reception, and updates twice a day. No studio or platform can pay for a score. How the score works
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is streaming in Japan on Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, FOD Channel Amazon Channel.
What the audience says
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is a solid, watchable Japanese film that mostly delivers on what it promises. It carries a 7.3/10 on TMDB across 552 ratings — comfortably clear of the pack. It clocks in at a standard 124 minutes. In Japan you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, FOD Channel Amazon Channel.
Should you spend 2h 4m on it?
2h 4m of Japanese drama with a history streak, fine for the whole family. Runs about as long as you'd expect, so no scheduling gymnastics needed.
- Why
- 7.3/10 from 552 ratings — well received so far, on a modest sample.
- Skip if
- you want a story that moves quickly
- Best for
- An evening with the household together
Story
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.
Good to know
| Runtime | 2h 4m |
| Watch with family? | G · Yes — family friendly |
| Genre | Drama / History |
| Language | Japanese |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Nagisa Ōshima
Cast
Where to watch in Japan
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 3 Oct 2026 — platforms may change over time.
More: Everything new on Prime Video · All Prime Video titles in Japan
Trailer
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