I only watched this film because I heard that it was violent. Not that I just like violent films but anything different I like to see.
I did have to wait until I was really awake to watch the film and not drunk because you have to concentrate. The film is Japanese and has English subtitles so you will have to read the subtitles and watch the film at the same time!
The film is about a game that the Japanese have every year. Because they have quite a high population the kids in schools were getting a bit overpowering for the teachers so they decide to cut down the numbers a bit. Every year a class is chosen to take part in Battle Royale, they have no choice in whether they take part or not. The class are put on an island and each child is given a backpack, they are all different and each one contains a different weapon. The idea of the game is to kill each other, the person left at the end wins. If there’s more than one person left at the end they get their heads blown off by a device around their neck.
There are two main characters in the film who’s name’s I can’t pronounce let along spell. It’s a girl and a boy anyway. These two are best friends and obviously don’t want to kill each other. These two end up with tremendous weapons including a dustbin lid. Personally I think the handgun was better but at least you won’t run out of ammunition for you bin lid.
Some of the kids get really into the game and do go around killing everyone. Every few hours everyone on the island is given an update on who is dead and we watch it as you would a normal game show. The names of the dead people are flashed across the screen.
I wouldn’t say this was one of the best films that I have ever seen, I wouldn’t really even call it average. The storyline is good but it’s weird! I wasn’t bored any time during the film, it’s just not the type of thing you expect to be watching.
I didn’t really notice what the acting was like, I was too involved with reading the subtitles. The soundtrack is not memorable either except for the happy music playing when the announcements are made, “all these people are day – horary, yippee”, quite sick really!
You should definitely watch this one just to say you have seen it but don’t expect a great film, just a weird one.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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I'm glad to see someone else who has seen battle roaylae but i do not believe that your review gives enough information to convince others to watch it or not.
i shall attempt to do better
Heidavey 22.10.2002 11:50
I think battle royale is a great film. Reading subtitles isn't a disadvantage though, its better than dubbing. If you don't believe me watch 'Fearless Hyena' with Jackie Chan, the dubbing is aweful.
mikeydred 12.06.2002 17:47
Got this on DVD from a site in Hong Kong and I've still not got round to watching it. Useful op. Mike
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only fitting that Kenta FukasakusBattle Royaleis being touted asA Clockwork Orangefor the 21st century. Based on the novel by Koshun Takami, the film opens with a s...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
At the dawn of the new millennium, Japan is in a state of near-collapse. Unemployment is ... more
at an all-time high, and violence amongst the nation's youth is spiraling out of control. With school children boycotting their lessons and physically abusing thei...
With the Japanese currently leading the way in thought-provoking cinematic violence its ... more
only fitting that Kenta FukasakusBattle Royaleis being touted asA Clockwork Orangefor the 21st century. Based on the novel by Koshun Takami, the film opens with a s...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 3 to 4 weeks...
At the dawn of the new millennium Japan is in a state of near-collapse. Unemployment is ... more
at an all-time high and violence amongst the nation's youth is spiralling out of control. With school children boycotting their lessons and physically abusing the...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days