Battle Royale

Rating: 8/10
Year: 2000
Genre: Action
Director: Kinji Fukasaku
Cast: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Takeshi Kitano, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoto

What can I say about this film? I thought I wouldn't enjoy it because I'm not one for explosions and shooting and stuff- but I really enjoyed this film.

Probably because it had a story behind it. It wasn't just mindless blowing of people to bits, and it wasn't boring western style explosions. What this film WAS, was a story of love, friendship and betrayal, quietly disguised behind a frightening situation that we could not even imagine ourseleves to be in.

Saying that, I have found this scenario popping up in a few of my dreams lately, because this story has stuck in my mind... when I was watching the film, I could feel the character's emotions at this strange situation that they were in.

With a mixture of emotional and violent scenes, some well known actors such as 'Beat' Takashi and Chiaki Kuriyama and a well thought out plot, put together with a top Japanese film director, this film is definitely one of the best of its time. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but, if you are into Japanese films, its worth watching at least once. You may be surprised, as I was, not expecting this to be the sort of film I would enjoy, yet I liked it a hell of a lot.

Once you can see past the violence to the message behind this film- which illustrates the value of true friendship through the hardest of times, this film is a lot more than just a bunch of kids blowing each other to bits. If you don't believe me, see for yourself.

Cool guy(s) - Chiaki Kuriyama

Reviewed by: Slater & Howard