I own a copy of this film and it is a really fantastic, disturbing concept. It is based on a Japanese Manga of the same name, which is more brutal and graphic than this film.

The story involves Asian school children who are constantly pitted against one another by their parents and school to kill one another in a game that is a million times more brutal than that "survivor" show. In the end, only one child can win, and that child will either have to kill or watch everyone else die. This is because of the BR act which is a lottery that one class of a school will have the unlucky honor to win. Before the next class is chosen to compete, we see footage of the last winner of Battle Royale- a girl who is visibly disturbed by her time on the island battegrounds.

The movie revolves around one class chosen to take part in the Battle Royale. We get to learn about all of the relationships have with one another, from the young crushes to the exclusive cliques to the troublemakers. Unbeknownst to the kids, their bus driver is taking them to attend the Battle Royale, not a school trip.

All of the children are divided into groups of two. Each pair has explosive collars on their necks and if the two are separated (by distance or death), they will explode. Anyone who goes outside of the boundaries listed on their maps also are immediately eliminated. The children are given various types of weapons and items. Some are very useful and deadly while others aren't worth much in a fight for survival.

The natural instinct of every child kicks in. Some try to stay grouped together, others think of plans to successfully escape and others take to the violent nature of the competition.

This is one of the points where "Battle Royale" shines. The only thing worse than witnessing brutality is brutality amongst children. When you are watching Battle Royale, you will most likely wonder how you would react to be forced to play a deadly game where you kill your friends and schoolmates.

The other point where Battle Royale shines is in the acting. There are almost no recognizable names in this movie (especially if you are not from its country of origin) except for Chiaki Kuriyama (memorable as the deadly mace-wielding schoolgirl from Kill Bill Vol 1) and Takeshi "Beat" Kitano, who is one of the best Asian actors I have ever watched. Kitano plays the most heartless, cruel teacher you would ever meet and Kuriyami is one of the students. Kuriyama is not the star, but she has a scene that shows you why Tarantino cast her in "Kill Bill."

Focusing back on Kitano, his character is the most complete of the entire movie. You learn about his family life and you learn about what makes this guy tick. From the start, you wonder why this man can suddenly oversee the deaths of innocent children.

At the very least, I think that "Battle Royale" will appeal to you like any cult film would. At best, this movie will stay in your mind as a classic flick.

If you are interested, there is a sequel, but it is nowhere near as good as the original "Battle Royale." I cannot spoil what BR II's plot is, because it reveals what happened at the end of the first film, but at the least it will give you closure.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age