A shocking masterpiece (Battle Royale (DVD))

Member Name: Dejavudreams

Product:	Battle Royale (DVD)
Date:	18/01/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An extremely thought-provoking concept, beautifully put together

Disadvantages: Spawned a less than stellar sequel

Battle Royale is probably my favourite film - nothing since my first viewing of this Japanese cult classic has shocked or entranced my quite the same way, and even though I must be on my 15th viewing it still has the ability to thoroughly entertain and absorb me.

The film centres on a Japan where the powers that be have decided that youth delinquency is too much of an issue, and so as an answer they decide that a lottery should be put in place, whereby a class from a random school is occasionally chosen to take place in Battle Royale, whereby the class is placed on an island.. and the last one alive is allowed to leave.

Only one unfortunate class is focused upon in Battle Royale, and we witness their journey through this most horrific of ordeals.

Essentially, each child is fitted with a collar which will explode after a set period of time (ensuring no foul play, so to speak) and given a pack with a mystery weapon in it (ranging from guns to saucepan lids) and they are then let free one at a time to hunt one another down. I will not say any more than this so as not to spoil the story.

Although the film is undeniably shocking and extremely violent, it's ability to provoke thought is its selling point - until you actually sit back and think about how you'd react in such a situation you can't appreciate what these kids are truely going through.

The concept itself is obviously a winner, but a concept is nothing without excellent production values and Battle Royale certainly has these. The film is beautifully put together and everything contributes perfectly to the oppressive atmosphere of the island and the Battle Royale program in general.

Summary: A Japanese cult classic, and rightfully so