Set during an unspecified time in modern Japanese history, text at the beginning of the film informs us that what we’re about to see happened ‘at the dawn of the millennium’ as Japan fell into economic collapse. Fifteen percent unemployment and declining school attendance have begun to create a society where the young have lost respect for their elders. Instead, the old fear the young. In response, the government has passed the Educational Reform Act, also known as the Battle Royale Act, where a class of high school students is chosen to compete against one another in a survival game where there can be only one winner.
The Shioroiwa Junior High School 9th grade Class B students believe they are going on a class trip, but are gassed along the way, waking up in a strange looking classroom on a deserted island. There, they’re given the rules: they have three days to cut the group down to just one survivor. If more than one of them remains at the end of that time, they will all be killed via the collars around their necks. The island is zoned, and every six hours, new areas will be cordoned off, where trespassing will result in the collars activating. By doing this, the government has effectively banned hiding or pacifism; the kids have no choice but to confront each other. Each of the 42 students is given a bag; it contains food, water, a map, a flashlight, and some sort of “weapon.” Not every student is given a gun or a sword. This is a game of kill or be killed; survival of the fittest. Friends are forced to do the unthinkable to one another.
Given Columbine and various other school shootings in recent years, Battle Royale understandably, will not sit well with everyone. With impressionable, 15-year-old kids as its protagonists, these not yet fully developed minds are faced with some serious questions: Can one survive without murdering anyone? Who will snap under pressure and give in to primal urges in order to outlive the rest? Is suicide the only option?
The students distrust of adults is reinforced by the fact that adults force the students to kill or be killed, especially former teacher Kitano (Beat Takashi), who acts as the leader of the military controlling the three day event. Several of the students have had very disturbing interactions with adults—from being pimped out to being lusted after by a teacher—from the start, children know they’re in a fight for their lives.
Ultimately, Battle Royale is as violent and as fast paced as you’ve likely heard. However, three’s an intelligence to it that will really make you think about how society has evolved. Yes, it could be just entertainment, or it could be seen as a cautionary tale of what could happen if the world does get to the point where lawlessness is king, and it’s every man for himself.
The “director’s cut” is eight minutes longer than the “theatrical cut,” and in my opinion doesn’t really make for a better viewing experience. The major changes in this cut involve additional CG blood splatters (that can sometimes be a bit comical and excessive), more information is given about exactly who is being referenced as dying (as the characters aren’t all given enough time to have memorable names). Beyond that, there’s a rape scene and a few close ups of the carnage.
The other major addition is a flashback to a basketball game featuring Class B, before they were made part of Battle Royale. The flashback is a recurring theme, as we’re able to see them in ‘normal conditions; to witness how they interact with each other. Some students are outcasts, while others show enthusiasm for particular classmates. Finally, where the theatrical cut ends, this version adds three separate requiems: some additional footage from the basketball scene, a final conversation between Kitano and a female student, the object of his affection, and the dream sequence.
Presented in 1.78:1, Anchor Bay’s 1080p transfer has some issues. A dark film to begin with, detail has never been a strong suit of Battle Royale. There are countless dark shots, and shallow colors abound. Crush is evident on a few occasions, and contrast is occasionally off the mark. The dirt in the opening act of the film clears up, though the minor shakes of the camera don’t. This is by no means a reference quality disc, but somehow that’s fitting. Besides, most American fans will be happy just to have the film available for purchase.
The disc offers two lossless audio options: native Japanese in a Dolby TrueHD 7.1 track, or an English dub in Dolby TrueHD 5.1. The audio track is far more impressive then the video, delivering surprisingly aggressive experience. Every gunshot and stab wound comes through nicely, accompanied by a very clear instrumental score made up of original compositions. Rear speaker coverage is stellar and surround activity appears flawless. Yes, you have to turn your volume up a few notches higher than normal, and there is some feedback during the final climax. But overall, this is an excellent audio presentation.
The only subtitle option on either track is basic English.
This particular edition includes no special features.
