Battle Royale

Remember how agitating high school was? Imagine those arduous, awkward days of youth, plus being forced to kill your fellow students in a compulsory law, known as the BR act. Another misfortunate class of ninth graders have been chosen for this years Battle Royale, after being drugged and taken to a deserted island. Each student is armed with an assortment of tools, different weapons, and is collared with a tracking device that will detonate in three days, if more than one survives. The question is, could you kill your friend to protect your own life? This film is a beautiful portrayal of the corruption, and eventual destruction of innocence among today’s youth. All the social structures of high school are still relevant through out this deadly game. Cliques that turn on each other through aroused suspicion, outcasts that have no trouble killing their peers, even school crushes that end in tragedy. At times it is heartbreaking to see the break down of trust between these students, but it is interesting to see how each reacts differently to the situation.

Some refuse to play, committing suicide, some students try to stay in there cliques, and others seem to have been waiting for the opportunity to kill. Though dramatically acted, and unsettling to watch the violence take hold of these students, there is still a tinge of humor underneath it all. Some of the dialogue is humorous, and the oreintation video they watch, explaining the game is a definite nod to the absurdity of Japanese game shows. Though not excessively gory, the violence depicted is still disturbing. We see these once innocent students unfold into merciless murderers, going against one another till death. The epic symphonic score of classical arrangements leaves the viewer in emotional awe through out. This film is also an incredible representation of the struggles between young and older generations who have become afraid of the desensitized youth of today. Anyone interested in Asian cinema should be ashamed if they have yet to see this. Also, don’t go see the pg-13 American version called ’The Hunger Games.’ Rent, purchase, or find this original game of death between these tremulous high schoolers, competing in this years Battle Royale.