Battle Royale (2000) marked the 20th year since its original release in Japanese cinemas last December 2020. As one of my all-time favorite films, its just fitting that my maiden CineTv post pay tribute to this little-known cult classic that has inspired comics, movies, movie makers, and even spawned a gaming genre named after itself.
A dystopian film set in fictional Japan, Battle Royale (let’s call it BR from now on) is considered as one of the most controversial (and possibly misunderstood) films of the past two decades.
It tells the story of 42 junior high students forced to fight to the death by the country’s fascist government until only one of them is left. One by one, most of the students succumb to the game, either as participants in the killings or as its victims. Some band together to fight back. But in the end, everyone tries their best to survive.
If that sounds the Hunger Games (2012), you’re right. But unlike the Hunger Games, BR is far more controversial and violent than you could imagine.
Thus, despite the 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s not uncommon to hear the words gratuitous violence and exploitation flick attached to the film. And these descriptions are well-earned. After all, the film’s claim to fame is the graphic portrayal of violence and brutality performed by children against other children.
However, beneath violence and gore, the film also has a lot to say.
On a societal level, BR could be read as a commentary on various socio-political issues relevant in 2000 as it is in 2021. From the way governments address civil disobedience, to its commentary on the dangers of economic instability and decline, and its exploration of the generational gap between the young and old, these are themes that the movie touches on with varying degrees of depth.
On a personal level, BR could be read as a commentary on the length that human beings will go to survive. It also delves into our propensity for violence, it explores the strength of our bonds with each other, and it brings to light our fears and insecurities.
For me, BR made me look into myself and asks, when placed in the same situation, what kind of person am I?
Am I like the protagonists who did their best to survive without killing, always acting to protect each other, and whose survival is almost because of luck? Or am I going to be like the hyper-aggressive characters who had the best chances of survival because they embraced their lust to kill and went after everyone to survive? Or maybe I could summon the strength to lead others and fight back against those in charge of the game?
It’s 2021, and I still don’t have an answer.