Editor Reviews: Amazon.com:
With the Japanese currently leading the way in thought-provoking cinematic violence, it's only fitting that Kinji Fukasaku's Battle Royale is being touted as a Clockwork Orange for the 21st century. Based on the novel by Koshun Takami, the film opens with a series of fleeting images of unruly Japanese schoolchildren, whose bad behavior provides a justification for the "punishments" that will ensue. Once the prequel has been dispensed with, the classmates are drugged and awaken on an island where they find they have been fitted with dog collars that monitor their every move. Instructed by their old teacher ("Beat" Takeshi) with the aid of an upbeat MTV-style video, they are told of their fate: after an impartial lottery they have been chosen to fight each other in a three-day, no-rules contest, the "Battle Royale." Their only chance of survival is through the death of all their classmates. Some pupils embrace their mission with zeal, while others simply give up or try to become peacemakers and revolutionaries. However, the ultimate drive for survival comes from the desire to protect the one you love. Battle Royale works on many different levels, highlighting the authorities' desperation to enforce law and order and the alienation caused by the generation gap. Whether you consider the film an important social commentary or simply watch it for the adrenaline-fueled violence, this is set to become cult viewing for the computer game generation and beyond. --Nikki Disney
Related Products:
Battle Royale Directors Cut
Customer Reviews:Average Rating:  Rating :  - This Movie is SICK...I Loved It...I Want More
Imagine a cross between Lord of the Flies and Survivor. The creepiest thing about this movie is the fact the plot doesn't seem completely outlandish. How far are we from this sort of thing in today's society? The modern equivalent of gladiators in the arena. The Battle Royale is covered by the media but not filmed. Purhaps when the public gets used to the idea.
The script could have used some polishing as far as narrative clarity. For instance, at the orientation, the students are told they will be punished if they don't keep movie but several of the students hide in one place or another for hours without their necklaces going off. Then again, everything in the movie is so deliberately bizarre, it almost dares the viewer to criticize it.
The movie discusses issues of law and order, civilization, trust, betrayal, settling old scores, friendship, love, lust and plain old survival of the fittest bloodsport. The action is exciting and bloody. Good fun for everyone. I actually wish the movie had been a bit longer so as to round out some of the minor characters.
If you have an open mind, a dark sense of humor and a strong stomach, you might enjoy watching a few dozen teenagers spend two hours torturing and killing each other.
See Full Customer Review |
