in a japanese pow camp and a scottish band of soldier learn about a very different culture the hard way . they also learn from the more refined and educate among them the meaning of serve each other and their enemy and to the point of self sacrifice . the film begin rather slowly ( and overly sentimental ) but become an incredible story with great act and character and powerful philosophy and imagery . many grip moment of self realization and facing reality and appreciation for life and death . the depth of relationship and self sacrifice and lesson learn leave the audience with a lot to process . overall and very inspiring and well make .