Movie Review: Battle Royale (Batoru Rowaiaru)

To start off, this is a Japanese movie that came out in 2000, so it is very likely that the actors, director, producers, etc. will be unknown to you.

I had heard of this movie before, mostly from friends more into Japanese entertainment, but once I saw that Quentin Tarantino loved this movie, I felt that I had almost an obligation to see it. The movie didn't disappoint, though I warn those with weak stomachs and limited imaginations that it isn't for them. The movie's premise is that Japan's economy collapsed, leading to an unemployment rate of 15% and many disgruntled families. Children had lost respect for adults, and classrooms were always empty. In response to this, the Japanese government passed the Battle Royale act, essentially mandating that one high school class out of 43,000 be sequestered to an island where they will be forced to kill each other or be killed by the overseers of the exercise. The kids are assigned weapons at random, ranging from an uzi to a paper fan. The film focuses on two kids, played by Tatsuya Fujiwara and Aki Maeda as two friends who are simply trying to survive without killing. The game is made even more haphazard with the inclusion of two "transfer" students- one of whom played the game before, and one of whom signed up for fun. Needless to say, they are the most dangerous players.

The film has a Lord of the Flies-esque feel to it, as children became something entirely apart from themselves. Those whose nerves became the most frayed became the most likely to kill among the original students. Even those who formed packs did not entirely trust each other, and it was interesting to see how each student would react under the stress of certain death. Obviously, I do not condone the act of one child killing another, but there is a certain psychological aspect that everyone can appreciate: how they would act under the same conditions. Makes you think, eh?

I have no idea if this movie is available in video stores, but I recommend it. The ending will certainly leave you satisfied.



I suppose that movie reviews will be a new thing for me, since I have so many to watch.

That's all for now,
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