Music is one of the best elements to deliver emotion and message with no doubt. When I accidentally listened to a soundtrack from the movie Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983), I was totally touched and want to know more about it. I'm always thinking that how come these soundtracks are so suitable for its story?
Next, I'll share with you all soundtrack songs from Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. Trust me, once you've listened to all these songs, you'll fall in love with the movie and hard to get out of the story soon.
Part 1. Full Playlist of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence Soundtracks
The whole album of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence soundtracks are composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, the main character in the movie as well as one of the most famous Japanese musicians. With this great masterpiece, he won the 1983 BAFTA Award for Best Film Music.
Every soundtrack absolutely fit the scene of the movie. It is said that Japanese composers were required to finish their work within three days during the 1980s. However, Nagisa Oshima, the director of the movie, allowed Ryuichi Sakamoto to spend a couple of months to score for the movie. Moreover, Oshima only listened to the soundtracks once before the album came out.
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1
Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence
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8
Ride, Ride, Ride (Celliers' Brother's Song)
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17
Ride, Ride, Ride (Reprise)
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Part 2. Different Versions of the Theme Music - Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
The theme song Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is the key to drag people's attention deeply to the story. It seems like every single melody is hitting your heart. You'll automatically be emotional just like the characters in the movie while listening. When Hara is saying “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” and music is on, you'll be touched immediately.
In this part, I'll share with you instrumental version and piano version of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.
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1
Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence (Instrumental)
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2
Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence (Piano)
Part 3. About Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence Film
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is adapted from Laurens van der Post's book, The Seed and the Sower (1963) which is based on his own experience during war time. It tells a story about the conflicts between Japanese officers and British POWs in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during the Second World War.
In the tropical jungle of Java island, there is a Japanese POW camp, which is managed by Captain Yonoi (by Ryuichi Sakamoto) and Sergeant Hara (by Takeshi Kitano). Captain Yonoi is rude and ruthless and never shows mercy to European and American prisoners of war. Moreover, he is very strict with his own soldiers as well. British POWs, Lieutenant Colonel John Lawrence (by Tom Conti), proficient in Japanese, often contacts with the Japanese army, especially with Sergeant Hara. However, something is changing when Jack(by David Bowie), a British officer, is taken to the camp after being arrested. Captain Yonoi is attracted by the handsome "ideal officer" and becomes extremely nervous.
Homosexuality prevailed in the camp, and the harsh treatment of Sergeant Hara did not help. Captain Yonoi madly ordered the North Korean guards who raped the Dutch prisoners to commit suicide for punishment. Affected by this, Lawrence and Jack were imprisoned. Sergeant Hara released Lawrence and Jack on Christmas Eve and said to Lawrence, "Merry Christmas, Lawrence."
When conflicts between Captain Yonoi and British officer go wild, Captain Yonoi decides to kill Jack. Just at the time of execution, Jack walks up to Captain Yonoi and kisses his cheek in front of all the prisoners and Japanese soldiers. Last, Jack is buried in the soil and only one head left. Before Jack's death, Yonoi appears at his side and cut off a handful of his hair.
Shortly after the war, Lawrence visits Sergeant Hara again in prison. But now they are exchanging identities. Before Lawrence left, Sergeant Hara shout out to him: "Lawrence!!! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence!"
In the End...
Sad story last long. War and peace is a popular topic of many movies. I was deeply touched after watching this incredible movie. Anyway, if you want to download all soundtrack songs from Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, here I recommend you a powerful solution - VidPaw YouTube Converter, which enables you to download and convert any video and songs of the movie from YouTube for free.
