Battle Royale Film Review
Battle Royale is a Japanese, dystopian thriller that has been cemented as a classic within the youth-based dystopian genre. Loosely based on the novel of the same name by Koushun Takami. The director Kinji Fukasaku takes the classic template of The Lord of the Flies story and creates an ultra-violent fable that revolves around a class of schoolchildren. Taken against their will to a deserted island and forced to kill each other by decree of the Battle Royale act – set up by the Japanese government to control the already rebellious youth – within an economically damaged system.
On the island, the film follows one particular student, Shuya Nanahara. Who acts as the central protagonist, but the film does jump between individuals and groups, fighting to survive their nightmarish situation. Everyone is being watched over from the camp base, by Kitano played by famous film star Takeshi Kitano. Their former teacher who has grown disillusioned by the state of the education system and his own students; enforcing the law with an iron fist. The film is extremely graphic and disturbing. To see young students dispatched by their own peers in horrible ways is a tough sit. Though, it does reflect clearly the apocalyptic world and tone the film tries to convey. The film flashes back to certain characters’ past, and because of this, more development is given to specific roles than others.
Takeshi Kitano leaves a haunting lasting impression. He is not an overly expressive actor, but he conveys so much by expressing little. The film does a good job balancing what he perceives as the children’s faults with how flawed he is. Alongside his fractured relationship with his daughter and his failings an adult, creating an impressively nuanced performance. The performances from the students range from subtle to incredibly mad, reflecting the adolescent turmoil forced endured upon them. As such, relationships are broken; friendships are tested; trust and boundaries are virtually non-existent. All consumed in a crescendo of violent anguish – executed by a paranoid, failing government that seeks to control.
This is a powerful piece of work. It could have easily ended up being a violent piece of popcorn entertainment. However, Fukasaku is a smart filmmaker. Cleverly injecting a bit of subtle social and political commentary within the story. Featuring a cast of mostly non-professional young actors who are all effectively, fully dedicated, serving the film well. This film does have a controversial streak. The story and the content, in particular, won’t appeal to everyone. In the end, the film is a haunting, original and no-holds-barred piece of work that will leave the viewer perhaps either horrified or fascinated.
4.5/5
On the island, the film follows one particular student, Shuya Nanahara. Who acts as the central protagonist, but the film does jump between individuals and groups, fighting to survive their nightmarish situation. Everyone is being watched over from the camp base, by Kitano played by famous film star Takeshi Kitano. Their former teacher who has grown disillusioned by the state of the education system and his own students; enforcing the law with an iron fist. The film is extremely graphic and disturbing. To see young students dispatched by their own peers in horrible ways is a tough sit. Though, it does reflect clearly the apocalyptic world and tone the film tries to convey. The film flashes back to certain characters’ past, and because of this, more development is given to specific roles than others.
Takeshi Kitano leaves a haunting lasting impression. He is not an overly expressive actor, but he conveys so much by expressing little. The film does a good job balancing what he perceives as the children’s faults with how flawed he is. Alongside his fractured relationship with his daughter and his failings an adult, creating an impressively nuanced performance. The performances from the students range from subtle to incredibly mad, reflecting the adolescent turmoil forced endured upon them. As such, relationships are broken; friendships are tested; trust and boundaries are virtually non-existent. All consumed in a crescendo of violent anguish – executed by a paranoid, failing government that seeks to control.
This is a powerful piece of work. It could have easily ended up being a violent piece of popcorn entertainment. However, Fukasaku is a smart filmmaker. Cleverly injecting a bit of subtle social and political commentary within the story. Featuring a cast of mostly non-professional young actors who are all effectively, fully dedicated, serving the film well. This film does have a controversial streak. The story and the content, in particular, won’t appeal to everyone. In the end, the film is a haunting, original and no-holds-barred piece of work that will leave the viewer perhaps either horrified or fascinated.
4.5/5
Comments
Post a Comment