The BR Act
 Nov 19th, 2004
Advantages:
Emotional, Violent and Meaningful
Disadvantages:
Japanese film with english sub titles
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
Soundtrack
more
  Anarchy182
About me:
Thankyou to all who have helped me turn green :D - Just Chillin'
Member since:18.11.2004
Reviews:2
Members who trust:4
Review rated by 37 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Battle Royale (2000)
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku, Battle Royale tells of the story of a controversial future in Japan, whereby 9th Grade Classes are randomly selected to appear in a “Survival of the Fittest Game”. The film is based upon a novel by Koushun Takami. The purpose behind the BR Act was to stop the children rebelling against the adults, as schools were reporting crimes of extreme disobedience, and violence. The adults introduced the act as a means of controlling the fast expanding Japanese population.
The 42 chosen students are collared with magnetic collars that can be activated by the “game show hosts” by triggering a small explosive in the collar, and killing the children, and the class are told they have to kill each other until one remains. The children are encouraged to watch a cheesy video explaining what is able to happen to them, and why they are wearing collars, before they
are released into the hands of their classmates. Some of them instantly form friendships; others become paranoid and run for their lives, while a couple go instantly insane and start a killing frenzy.
On the desert island each child is equipped with a rucksack, containing water, food, map and a weapon. However the weapons are not exactly what they appear, with some children receiving Uzi’s, and others a tin lid or a pair of binoculars. The map comes in handy as there are new danger zones on the island each day that they need to steer clear of. During each day there are updates broadcasted detailing the new danger zones and advising who has died/been killed so far… The plot mainly focuses on the trials of a young couple, Nanahara Shuya (Boy #15 – played by Tatsuya Fujiwara) and Noriko Nakagawa (Girl #15 – played by Aki Maeda), and their assistance from a previous survivor of the game, Shougo Kawada (Boy #5 – played by Taro Yamamoto). Kawada informs Nanahara and Noriko that he knows of a way out of the game, and persuades them to join him in his quest to beating the adults.
Throughout the movie the children are subject to anger, resentment and fear as they fight to be the sole survivor. Hidden resentments, and hidden love all surface as the 9th grade class is put to the test of ultimate survival. One girl in particular Mitsuko Souma (Girl #11 – played by Kou Shibasaki) sets out with the determination to win, and sneaks around the island on a killing spree, even resorting to killing those who thought she was a friend. Many questions will be answered throughout the film, including those regarding any survivors, the relationship between Kawada, Nanahara and Noriko, and the Host Kitano (played by Beat Takeshi). You are told about a small amount of the characters backgrounds, which helps you understand the personalities these children have now and why they react in the way they do.
During Battle Royale the scenes of graphic violence, and the inhumane portrayal of the adults in Japan may often shock you, but the film isn’t just about violence, it is also about a struggle for freedom, about friendships and about loyalty between companions. I found the acting in the film very good, and felt each person filled their role well, showing enough passion or hatred to make it more realistic. Throughout the film you often felt yourself feeling for the characters especially near the beginning of the film, when there is a violent scene between Kitano and Nobu (Boy #7 – played by Yukihiro Kotani), a close friend of Nanahara’s and fellow roommate.
Overall I would recommend this film, but beware of the graphic scenes, as they will shock. The film is rated 18 so please bear that in mind, but for those who are interested Battle Royale:Requlem has also been produced and this shows the return of Nanahara Shuya and a whole new class – Look out for a review on this soon.
Brief Cast Summary
Teacher – Kitano (Beat Takeshi)
Boy #15 – Nanahara Shuya (Tatsuya Fujiwara)
Girl #15 – Noriko Nakagawa (Aki Maeda)
Boy #5 – Shougo Kawada (Taro Yamamoto)
Girl #11 – Mitsuko Souma (Kou Shibasaki) Running Time Approx. 1hr 50mins
Rated 18
If you would like to find out more information about the film visit - http://www.battleroyalefilm.net
Compare Prices
sorted by Price
Read more on this product
|
|
![Battle Royale [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78522790.jpg)
by (3%):
23.12.2005 20:24
Great review! Merry christmas
15.12.2004 00:29
Sounds cruel but interesting.
25.11.2004 15:16
I'm not sure but I might have already seen this, at least reading your review, made it seem familiar, but as I have a problem with sleeping during films I may well have started on it!!! I'll raid the DVDs and see if its one we have got!