Battle Royale - DVD

Let me be blunt: this is not considered an "intellectual" film. Nonetheless, this is one of the most riveting films I have seen in ages. As you know, this film has been banned in multiple countries and is not well-appreciated in its own. It breaks some pretty serious taboos . . . namely, young fresh-faced children hacking each other to bits:) Of course, the idea that the government has locked exploding collars around their tender necks is a horrific bonus!!Takeshi Kitano is FANTASTIC as the school teacher with an innocent yet disturbing crush on one of his pupils and an obsession with her baked goods (Ohhh, and wait until you see his painting!!)Likewise, the characters of Shuya and Noriko are spectacular in their roles. They bring likability to what should be an "unlikeable" film. Nonetheless, Kazuo Kiriyama and Mitsuko Souma easily steal the show! Kazuo volunteers to be in this massacre (apparently for the thrill)!! He has the looks of Johnny Depp matched with the endurance of Jason Vorhees (forgive the comparison!!) Meanwhile, Mitsuko presents us with the most complex character in the film: as a victim of (potential) sexual abuse and an uncaring mother, Mitsuko has learned not to trust anyone. Moreover, she has learned to use her sexuality to get through life (it's interesting to see how this aspect figures into combat).What may surprise you is how FUNNY (intentionally) this film is!!! The training video alone will have you in stitches (The adorable host makes exploding heads sound like a Saturday morning cartoon "BOOM!")!! TRUST ME - FUNNY STUFF!!!To be perfectly honest, I dread the American remake (slated for 2008 by NEW LINE). Part of the appeal is that this film is verboten!! NEW LINE, I am quite certain, will be content will an "R" rating for theaters . . . and that will be a shame. Additionally, the Japanese version has insanely BAD and AWKWARD translation which only heightens its amusing qualities.No, Battle Royale doesn't have the INSANE gore of Ichi the Killer, but it is faster-paced, has a simpler story-line, and in a way, is more shocking.You'll either love it or hate it . . . me, I LOVE IT!!! I show it to my students EVERY semester!!!This film receives FIVE stars for its innovative, no-holds-barred approach!!Suggested Reading: Williams, Tony. "Case Study: Battle Royale's Apocalyptic Millennial Warning." Japanese Horror Cinema. Ed. Jay McRoy. Honolulu: U Hawaii P, 2005. 130-143.

In the year 2014, Battle Royale is most commonly known as the movie that The Hunger Games ripped off. Although there are striking similarities between the two (a group of teenagers pitted against each other on a secluded island, casualties are announced over a loudspeaker), the two are executed in completely different ways. The only aspect The Hunger Games can flaunt over BR is its more developed reasoning behind the 'games' and a firm root in politics. In every other way, Battle Royale is better and more enjoyable. It has the tone of an 80's kids fantasy, like The Goonies or Gremlins, and although it features a bunch of kids brutally murdering each other, the goal is not to sicken the audience. The violence is broken up with bits of humor, mostly dealing with juvenile crushes, and a classical score that brings a certain flippancy to the material. Compared to The Hunger Games, the characters are more believable as kids because of there references to cliques, crushes, and the fantastic flashback/dream sequences that shed light on their consciences. The convincing performances from the entire cast contribute to this immensely. Despite the constant killing, Battle Royale is a non stop thrill ride that never once sags or becomes monotonous. Each kill is unique in its own way. The film doesn't really have time to meditate on the deaths themselves, which is good because if the weight behind every single death was measured, the film would be 3 hours long and a lot less fun. Instead, the pacing is perfect and Battle Royale remains a genuine adrenaline rush from beginning to end. Watching it, it's kind of hard to believe that it was made in the year 2000. Director Kinji Fukasaku shot it like it was made in the mid-to late 70's, with lots of dolly shots, hand-held shots, and long zooms. It's hard to pinpoint exactly, but the whole film gives off a retro-vibe. Perhaps it's the color tone. Whatever it is, it makes Battle Royale feel like a long lost classic. Its absurdism at its finest.