Battle Royale Uncut Special Edition

With the Japanese currently leading the way in thought-provoking cinematic violence, it's only fitting that Kinji Fukasaku's Battle Royale is being touted as a Clockwork Orange for the 21st century. Based on the novel by Koshun Takami, the film opens with a series of fleeting images of unruly Japanese schoolchildren, whose bad behavior provides a justification for the "punishments" that will ensue. Once the prequel has been dispensed with, the classmates are drugged and awaken on an island where they find they have been fitted with dog collars that monitor their every move. Instructed by their old teacher ("Beat" Takeshi) with the aid of an upbeat MTV-style video, they are told of their fate: after an impartial lottery they have been chosen to fight each other in a three-day, no-rules contest, the "Battle Royale." Their only chance of survival is through the death of all their classmates.

Some pupils embrace their mission with zeal, while others simply give up or try to become peacemakers and revolutionaries. However, the ultimate drive for survival comes from the desire to protect the one you love. Battle Royale works on many different levels, highlighting the authorities' desperation to enforce law and order and the alienation caused by the generation gap. Whether you consider the film an important social commentary or simply watch it for the adrenaline-fueled violence, this is set to become cult viewing for the computer game generation and beyond. --Nikki Disney Amazon.com

Not a legit Reagion 1 DVD!!!

I am sad that Amazon is selling this product. It is not a legal licensed Region 1 DVD. It is an all purpose "All Region" piece of garbage. I love Battle Royal and would love a legit way to buy the DVD here in the States without wasting my money. I would hold off buying this until a real DVD is available, if that ever happens. December 18, 2008

Splendid!!!!!!!!!

this is one of the best among japanese movie that i ever seen it was recommended by my friend TNECNIV AIRTSUA.... September 16, 2008

Great For The Academic, Great For The Popcorn

This is a great, great movie.

There are lots of things that cinema can do, if it chooses. It can tell a good story (this movie does); it can develop cool, memorable characters (this movie does); it can explore themes and different ways of looking at life (this movie does); it can provoke a strong response, of love, fear, disgust, or anything else (this movie provokes several).

On almost every level, this movie challenges and entertains the viewer at the same time. We don't *need* to ask whether the island stands for greater society (or if we essentially teach our children to go out and butcher their friends, to "compete"), or anything vaguely academic like that, but we can -- the movie supports it. Or, we can just munch on popcorn, rock with the explosive action, shudder at the most horrifying/fascinating sequences, and wait to see who manages to come out of Thunderdome Isle.

If you're just looking for a thrilling shocker, or a film with some depth to it, Battle Royale stands ready to please. August 4, 2008

Pretty darn good

While I wasn't bugged at all about this some may not like that its a subtitled movie. With that said, this movie is a PURE BLOOD BATH! If your against violent movies don't get this one! I personally loved it! It wasn't just about people killing people, it was about friends forced to kill each other or die anyways One of the issues of the movie is it shows that its a bit dated now. The blood was fake looking, and some of the lines a bit funny (though that could be due to translation also). Over all in a movie dealing with kids killing other kids (I never thought I'd say this) it made me laugh. It made me laugh due to some of the corny lines and not the act itself. Over all I'd say rent it first then decide if you like it enough to buy it.. we all have different thoughts and onions on movies, how ever it was worth it to add this to my collection. June 14, 2008

Incredible masterpiece made by Kinji Fukasaku

"Battle Royale" is one of the most controversial and challenging movies ever made.The film is very gory and violent,but it's also witty,satirical and thought provoking.The concept of "Battle Royale" is pretty simple.The act of Battle Royale decrees that once a year a class of 9th graders is chosen at random,stranded on a small island,and armed with random weapons.The kids are also outfitted with strange necklaces that monitor their locations and life functions,and explode if more than one student is alive at the end of 72 hours.The kids are forced to become savage killers,and the movie provides them with interesting personalities and human reactions to the horrible situation in which they find themselves.The acting is brilliant and the violence is horrific and merciless.The film is very exciting and well-photographed.A masterpiece that needs to be seen by every fan of wonderful Japanese cinema! May 19, 2008

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