Forbidden Colours was, as noted, a war film. Specifically, one about the relationship between a young prison camp commander and a particular Australian prisoner who exerts a deep fascination upon him.
The japanese word for colour is jiki, but it also denotes erotic love. Compounded with the modifier 'kin' meaning ilicit, you get kinjiki, which can be translated either as Forbidden Colours, or equally well was Forbidden Sexuality - in it's latter sense the word is used as a euphemism for homosexuality.
In other words, the homoerotic subtext of both film and these lyrics isn't exactly hidden.
Possible spoilers for 'Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence' follow:
In the film, Captain Yonoi is ocnstrained by strict rules of bushido honor code and ultranationalist militarism from acknowledging his attraction to Jack Celliers. Ultimately this tension leads to his nervous collapse, and the cruel execution of Celliers.
Characters on the sidelines of this confrontation, Hara and Lawrence, meet again after the war and are able to establish for a moment the communication that failed between the two leads (and their cultures). The simple wish of 'Merry Christmas' is the first indication ofn the possibility of forgiveness and understanding between them.
Then song lyrics introduce a second theme of Christian faith to this context, adding a further dimension to the examination of the many cultural barriers around kinjiki.
Forbidden Colours was, as noted, a war film. Specifically, one about the relationship between a young prison camp commander and a particular Australian prisoner who exerts a deep fascination upon him.
The japanese word for colour is jiki, but it also denotes erotic love. Compounded with the modifier 'kin' meaning ilicit, you get kinjiki, which can be translated either as Forbidden Colours, or equally well was Forbidden Sexuality - in it's latter sense the word is used as a euphemism for homosexuality.
In other words, the homoerotic subtext of both film and these lyrics isn't exactly hidden.
Possible spoilers for 'Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence' follow:
In the film, Captain Yonoi is ocnstrained by strict rules of bushido honor code and ultranationalist militarism from acknowledging his attraction to Jack Celliers. Ultimately this tension leads to his nervous collapse, and the cruel execution of Celliers.
Characters on the sidelines of this confrontation, Hara and Lawrence, meet again after the war and are able to establish for a moment the communication that failed between the two leads (and their cultures). The simple wish of 'Merry Christmas' is the first indication ofn the possibility of forgiveness and understanding between them.
Then song lyrics introduce a second theme of Christian faith to this context, adding a further dimension to the examination of the many cultural barriers around kinjiki.
Wonderfully well explained. JpnGht's comment. 'sometimes how impossible love is' is still concisely apposite. Thank you.
Wonderfully well explained. JpnGht's comment. 'sometimes how impossible love is' is still concisely apposite. Thank you.
May Love come to you easily.
May Love come to you easily.