The book: Sir Laurens van der Post - apart from being mocked by the likes of Private Eye for encouraging Prince Charles' 'spiritual kind of thingy' - was a highly respected writer and thinker. He was also a prisoner-of-war at the hands of the Japanese, an experience on which this fine novel was based.

The film: Japanese film-maker Nagishi Oshima directed his first English language movie and - together with Paul Mayersburg - wrote the screenplay.

The role: Bowie is Major Jack 'Straffer' Celliers, a part that requires him to demonstrate a stiff upper lip in conditions of adversity. He makes quite a good fist of it.

The co-stars: Tom Conti is the eponymous Mr Lawrence, whilst Ryuichi Sakamoto - leader of the Yellow Magic Orchestra - is the camp commandant. (Sakamoto also got to write the music.)

Most memorable image: A 35-year-old Bowie appearing in flashback as the flannel-clad schoolboy incarnation of his character.

Star rating from the Radio Times Guide to Films:

Star rating from the Blockbuster Guide to Movies and Videos:

Star rating from the Virgin Film Guide:

Trivia: Nagisha Oshima also wrote and directed the 1976 cult classic Ai No Corrida, which finally became available on video in Britain a couple of years ago. If you haven't seen it, rectify the omission - it's a film you won't forget (in the same way that you won't forget, say Salo).

click on the thumbnail for the first Penguin edition

click on the thumbnail for Smash Hits' review of Sakamoto's theme