I do not particularly enjoy graphic representations of brutality and morbidity in films. But there are always exceptions. Especially, when you find an equally intriguing, disturbing, and brilliantly executed film.
Battle Royale (2000)
Battle Royale (2000)
A film by Kinji Fukasaku
Screenplay by Kenta Fukasaku
Written (novel) by Koushun Takami
Set in a future-collapsed Japan, as the government continues to fail maintaining the country's order, a new act has been passed called the Battle Royale which legalizes murder among youths.
Set in a future-collapsed Japan, as the government continues to fail maintaining the country's order, a new act has been passed called the Battle Royale which legalizes murder among youths.
Being one of the most famous cult films and renowned novels of today, excellence was expected. And despite the fact that its main core plot of forcing teenagers to kill each other to survive was an insanely crazy idea to begin with, it has still become one of those movies that you would fall in love with.
What I like most about this film was the diversity of the characters. The story has creatively crafted various personalities and how they would react in certain situations very believably. It would force you to feel, even for the most devious characters. Without a doubt, the plot did not fail to deliver. And for a person who has not read the novel yet, I already salute Koushun Takami for a magnificently written masterpiece. But of course, this movie would not have been made this remarkable without the father-son tandem of the Fukasakus.
Imagine. Just imagine waking up one day and all of a sudden, you are compelled to kill the friends you've always known in order to live. As a teenager, that is very far from all the things that cross your mind on a daily basis. Yet, this film has successfully captured all the real emotions, feelings and struggles of the youths, even in an unimaginable scenario. For despite the drastic adjustment the youngsters had to deal with, the kid inside all of them still managed to reveal itself. *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* And with the several ambiguous representations in the film, I was particularly fond of the bright and colorful painting shown at the end. It perfectly reflected the life that should have been but was taken away from the unfortunate students.
Imagine. Just imagine waking up one day and all of a sudden, you are compelled to kill the friends you've always known in order to live. As a teenager, that is very far from all the things that cross your mind on a daily basis. Yet, this film has successfully captured all the real emotions, feelings and struggles of the youths, even in an unimaginable scenario. For despite the drastic adjustment the youngsters had to deal with, the kid inside all of them still managed to reveal itself. *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS* And with the several ambiguous representations in the film, I was particularly fond of the bright and colorful painting shown at the end. It perfectly reflected the life that should have been but was taken away from the unfortunate students.
Run!
By the way, thank you, Chiaki Kuriyama for gracing us your presence.
