BATTLE ROYALE is psychotic mass murder at its best. A cult classic that shouldn’t be passed up by Asian film fans or movie buffs alike.
A group of 9th graders are kidnapped and taken to a deserted island to participate in a psychotic government program called ‘The Battle Royale Act’ where they must kill each other in a free-for-all death match until there is only one survivor.
If there is more than one survivor by the 3 day time limit, their electric collars explode and no one survives.
The teenagers must decide what is more important, their friendships or surviving.
BATTLE ROYALE was my favourite film for about 7 months (then came A TALE OF TWO SISTERS) and I watched it at least 5 times a week, so I know it nearly word for word.
Anyway the point is, BATTLE ROYALE is a pivotal step into becoming a fan of Asian cinema, perhaps even more influential than THE RING.
The story is perhaps BATTLE ROYALE’s most enjoyable aspect. It’s got that twisted and crazy Japanese flavour to it that makes it so original to western audiences.
The whole twisted government act makes it a little scary to imagine if it happened to you. You could be going on your average school trip and all of a sudden wake up in some classroom you’ve never seen before, on some island you’ve never been, and be told you have to kill all your classmates in order to survive, and should you fail, that little metal collar you’re wearing will explode and burst open your neck. Sound like fun? I’m sure those who were bullied in their school days would enjoy it ;) but us popular kids prefer not to kill our friends. Ha-ha.
The acting is all-round excellent. Aki Maeda is very convincing as Noriko Nakagawa while Tatsuya Fujiwara as Nanahara Shuya would have done well if he could deal with his characters constant whiney tantrums and prevent him from being so annoying.
The two leads are very much so over shadowed by some of their more talented co-stars.
Takeshi Kitano (BROTHER, ZATOICHI) gives an unforgettable performance as the twisted teacher. Kou Shibasaki (recently in ONE MISSED CALL) gives a killer performance as Mitsuko Souma, this role was her career defining moment.
Chiaki Kuriyama was also excellent as Chigusa and this was the role that made Quentin Tarantino cast her in KILL BILL.
Another surprisingly good actor was Ando Masanobu who played the psychotic exchange student Kiriyama.
The video quality isn’t exactly cutting edge, but it does give it a very classic feel that throws back to the classic LORD OF THE FLIES, which this film resembles.
Musically, it’s a treat with its orchestrated tunes which gives it a very epic sort of feel.
Set design is another high point, with detailed little sets like Mitsuko’s lair and the shrine that Chigusa was staying at.
The island itself is a great setting and has some really beautiful scenery like the lush forests and the rocky shoreline.
BATTLE ROYALE delivers a story that will shock some and excite many others. It gives western audiences something new and twisted like we’ve rarely seen before (one exception is the low budget fake reality TV movie SERIES 7), which is why it has done so well overseas.
They say controversy equals word of mouth so that’s probably why it has become so popular, people talk about the controversy and it makes others intrigued and BATTLE ROYALE certainly is very controversial. Join the hunt and buy this today!
Showing the last 3 reviews, out of a total 3 reviews. Please note that opinions expressed in any review are those of our customers and do not necessarily match those of the Play-Asia.com team.
Seosamh on 14, Jan. 2006 09:28 (HKT)
I love it!!!! The best film ever made! The entire lighthouse scene is the best scene i have ever seen from any film in my life. Music's brilliant too, it REALLY grows on you!
Malice(52) on 08, Dec. 2004 13:09 (HKT)
Awesome. This is quite a good movie as it is shocking and makes you think. It has a lot to due and portrays about human psychology and the nature of man which is interesting always.
It has a good story and plot and is played out well. If you like this movie, pick up the sequel with it too.
adam_296(23) on 26, Apr. 2004 10:02 (HKT)
This Movie is great. I have very little complaints about this films and they may seem stupid but i notice them everytime.
1. The blood effects arent that great, they pretend to be shot (there is no spurt) then the next camera shot they have blood patches on them. You need to get the special version.
2. The lead character isnt very interesting
3. My favourite character dies at the hands of Kiriyama >:(
other than that this movie is great, constant violence.
the story is a little farfetched but it really makes you think "what if?".
Actually if i played this game i'd deffinantly be the preditor :P
Its an awesome movie well worth a purchase if your interested in asian cinema. they even made an american remake that sucks so much balls its not funny, the should've atleast had tarrintino remake it instead so no name loser seeing as though tarrintino got alot of inspiration from Battle Royale.
Anyway its also a thought provoking movie with alot of morals and important themes about the way we intereact with others. Don't miss this movie!! the violence is handled tastefully, but is also pleasing to violence buffs, and the execution of the movie is great. If you can get yoru hands on the special version which includes 3-5 mins of extra footage (including the basketball scene fukasaku went back to shoot and CGI blood to ake the shooting scenes look better).
5 STARS!! (i would give it 4 1/2 but you cant :P )
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