Battle Royale

"Life is a game. So fight for survival and see if you're worth it." - Kitano

release year: 2000
genre: violent drama
viewing setting: home DVD 6/4/22

synopsis: A randomly-selected class of misbehaving schoolkids is taken to a remote island, fitted with explosive collars to ensure compliance, and forced to fight to the death.

impressions: This was weird, but it most likely accurately showed what would really happen in this scenario. Some kids would refuse to compete, some would give up and be eliminated, some would try but would lack the smarts, luck, or instinct to last long...and a few would become effective, either naturally or over a short time. As I said, it's weird...harsh, brutal, bloody, and absolutely crazy.

acting: There were many characters, and I can't possibly list even the major ones here. Most memorable, to me, were the main boy and girl...and Takeshi Kitano as the crazed teacher who's somehow in charge of the contest. Kou Shibasaki is one of the girls, who quickly embraces the attitude necessary to survive. Masanobu Ando is a ringer brought in to join the main class in the contest; he quickly begins racking up a high body count.

final word: Oddly and grimly entertaining, but will definitely offend some people in this modern age of school violence.

back to the main review page