The first English-language project of Japanese director Nagisa Oshima (In the Realm of the Senses), it follows themes of racism and brutality as a war of wills unfolds between rebellious POW Strafer (David Bowie) and camp commandant Ryuichi Sakomoto. Sakomoto is most impressed by Strafer's enigmatic defiance; while bilingual prisoner Tom Conti (the "Mr. Lawrence" of the title) engages in a more adversarial relationship with sadistic sergeant Takeshi Kitano, who finally offers Lawrence a sinister 'Christmas present'. Fine performances by Tom Conti, Takeshi Kitano (brilliant in his first dramatic role), Sakamoto (his acting debut, he also contributed the memorable score), and David Bowie enhance this provocative film.