Battle Royale (Region 3) (Import)

 

 

Create your own review

Previously to viewing a copy of BR, I read the raving reviews from the other amazon customers..and you know what? I strongly agree with their 5 star ratings.
this movie doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence, but at the same time it's also a social commentary regarding violence within today's high schools, (especially in america)and the bad bridge between the generation gap.

beat takashi (brother) does a great portrayal as the sadistic teacher/controller KITARO. BR has influences from previous american flicks like the running man, lord of the flies,escape from new york and fortress (the necklace bomb "wedlock")

what's disturbing is watching those cute japanese kids get slaughtered in so many ways(shootings,hackings,slashings,poison etc.) that it almost resembles a virtual videogame.
the ending i felt was anti climatic, but the flashback sequences adds much depth to the characters. too bad most americans will NEVER get to see this DVD Gem because of the contriversial content, but if ever there was a us adaptation like THE RING, director paul verhooven(robocop,starship troopers) would be my first choice and/or maybe quinten tarantino just as long as he doesn't make a cameo appearance like he did in his previous movies.

BATTLE ROYAL; one of the best movies "made in japan".

James Gunn, director of Slither, lists this as one of his favourite movies. I can see why. It's amazing. I'm a pretty lazy guy, so watching a movie with subtitles seems like lots of work to me, but it is well worth it. So far, the only other movie I can say this about is Pan's Labyrinth.

This movie has it all. Lots of violence, a love story, and some truly funny moments. Plus, it has that Vic Romano guy from MXC!!!!

Just be aware that you'll need an all-regions DVD player, as it will not play on strict North America region DVD players.

"Battle Royale" become a cult favorite in many corners of the world. Fukasaku wanted this movie to be viewed by all ages, but putting its gory depictions of death and blood into consideration the ratings would not allow it. The film has provoked outrage, and I think this was the intent. Children are viewed as being innocent, yet here, we see them killing each other in gruesome ways, with or without remorse. Being that I only seen this twice but on my third watch it still gets me.

As good as this is there are plot holes to it, especially near the ending. Some of the dialogue is too melodramatic and "cheesy", but it did most certainly not bring down the film's brilliance. But what it was missing most of all was character development. There's some fine acting, and some bad acting, but the main characters all acted well and held up this film. Shuya Nanahara (Tatsuya Fujiwara), Noriko Nakagawa (Aki Maeda) and Shougo Kawada (Taro Yamamoto) are actually given a back story, motivations, and their desires for surviving the Battle Royale. But the other 39 students are not complete strangers to the viewer. Supporting character Mitsuko Souma (Kou Shibasaki) is given an in depth biography of who she really is, rather than just a cunning huntress out for revenge. In the Special Edition DVD, there is an extra scene containing a flashback to her childhood, depicting of how horrible her childhood was, and what caused her to act the way she acted in the movie and the novel. The other cast members did a superb job on bringing their characters to life. Indeed the characters are such familiar types that we are able to learn a great deal about them, though we may only see them for five seconds, because we have all come across them before in our own lives. There are the popular girls, the outcasts, bullies, jocks, the nerd who had more gel in his hair than The Fonz, and that one promiscuous girl that your mother told you to stay away from. This quick characterization works perfectly in the film and is enhanced by the performances of the young actors and actresses who actually look and behave like a real class.

I believe the initial intent of this film was to be a satire, possibly on the way in which Japanese culture views children and authority, but having no experience of the Japanese culture, I cannot do more than speculate. The extreme situation brings out the characters, and with forty of the children on the island, there is a lot to take in with their own story, or at least a strong personality. However, despite its faults, "Battle Royale" is an insight into humanity, and its darker side. We question whether we could kill our friends, but this film does make you wonder what would happen if you were in such a situation. "Battle Royale" is often misunderstood and it isn't mindlessly violent, but provocatively violent. The fact that children are those involved adds to the weight of them film tremendously. One to watch if your interested.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 42 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

 

3.0 out of 5 stars read excellent book
this movie was based on an excellent book of the same name and remember if you live in the us make sure u buy region 1 encided items for your dvd player.

Published on Jun 19 2006 by Legend-waitforit-dary

5.0 out of 5 stars Only one word can Descrive this.
Excellent is that word, you like gore and guns, and don't mind reading subtitles, you will love Battle Royale.

Published on Jan 18 2006

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant satire
Easily as provocative, if not moreso than Swift's "A Modest Proposal" I truly loved this film for its cinematogrpahy and its messages. Read more

Published on Feb 8 2005

1.0 out of 5 stars Warning!
I ordered this through Import CD Specialists and got a DVD which cannot be viewed on the North American system. Read the fine print!

Published on Jan 1 2005 by D. J. Pass

1.0 out of 5 stars not as advertised
I expected the advertised region 1 coding; received a region 3 item which I cannot use. apparently, amazon is not letting me return this item, either. Read more

Published on Aug 26 2004 by meg

5.0 out of 5 stars A great movie for anyone........over 13.
Japan's economy has fallen. Students are boycotting school. Unemployment rate is at 15%. What does the government decide to do? Pass the Battle Royale Act. Read more

Published on July 9 2004 by sxauronx

5.0 out of 5 stars A true foreign film classic!
This movie is truly awesome. It works on every level from social commentary/satire, horror, action, drama, romance, and just pure fun. Read more

Published on Jun 24 2004 by trashcanman

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant movie, but what basketball game?!
I bought this DVD based on Amazon reviews, and it didn't disappoint. Unlike Series 7, which had nothing more than a concept, Battle Royale is an excellent movie on all fronts -... Read more

Published on Jun 18 2004 by N. Field

4.0 out of 5 stars blood ties
Before actually watching this film I was expecting a pure bloodbath because I heard that this film was banned from being released in America. Read more

Published on Jun 16 2004 by Daitokuji31

3.0 out of 5 stars Social Commentary ROCKS!!...
But how does the movie hold up as just entertainment? Pretty well, I've seen the movie at least 5 times and each time i like it a little bit more. Read more

Published on Jun 10 2004 by Elle-P

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 42 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Search Listmania!