Christopher Nolan’s Surprising Top 10 Pick: The ‘Forgotten’ WWII Film Starring David Bowie

Christopher Nolan has shone a spotlight on a lesser-known World War II film starring David Bowie, calling it one of his personal favorites.

The 1983 movie, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, explores life in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp and the complicated dynamics between captives and their captors.

David Bowie stars as Maj. Jack “Strafer” Celliers, a rebellious and sharp-tongued officer who faces harsh treatment from his captors. Tom Conti plays Lt. Col. John Lawrence, the only prisoner fluent in Japanese, who tries to bridge the gap between the prisoners and the camp commander Capt. Yonoi, played by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

The film was directed and co-written by Nagisa Ōshima and is based on the experiences of Sir Laurens van der Post, a South African who spent three years in a POW camp in Japanese-occupied Java.

Nolan, who directed blockbuster hits like Inception and Dunkirk, praised the film for capturing Bowie’s unique charisma. “Few films have been able to capture David Bowie’s charisma, but Oshima’s wartime drama seems tailor-made for his talents,” Nolan said. He also complimented Tom Conti, noting how effectively the actor guided the audience through the story’s emotional layers.

When released, the film was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival and is now considered an overlooked classic. Critics have praised its performances and themes, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it an 86% approval rating.

Janet Maslin of The New York Times highlighted Bowie’s commanding presence and the strong performances of the Japanese cast, despite language barriers, for portraying the complex relationships between captors and prisoners.

The film’s score, composed and performed by Sakamoto, won a BAFTA for Best Film Music. Over the years, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence has been celebrated by filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa and now Christopher Nolan, cementing its reputation as a hidden gem in cinema history.

This film is a striking example of how war dramas can tell deep, human stories while showcasing iconic performances. It’s fascinating to see a director like Nolan highlight such a nuanced and sometimes forgotten piece of cinema. What do you think about Nolan’s pick? Share your thoughts in the comments.