Hey JK

[Russell]

In case you're interested (and in the spirit of shameless self-promotion )

http://www.rumourmachine.com/Genpages/News.htm

Full reviews of every film I saw at the frightfest Any feedback would be cool!

 

[JayKeeley]

Nice! I'll read them this afternoon and get back to you. You still up for a few beers when I get over to London next month?

 

[NAD]

Is Battle Royale animated or does it have live actors?

 

[JayKeeley]

live actors. It's got Beat Takeshi!

 

[Russell]

Is Battle Royale animated or does it have live actors?

As it hasn't been posted anywhere yet:

Battle Royale

2002 – Special Edition Double DVD

Directed by Kinji Fukasaku

Written by Kenta Fukasaka

Original Version 109 min, - Special Edition 117 min

Starring: Takeshi Kitano, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoto, Masanobu Ando, Kou Shibasaki, Chiaki Kuriyama, Sousuke Takaoka, Eri Ishikawa, Yûko Miyamura.



One of Kinji Fukasaku’s last films, Battle Royale is a fast growing cult-classic, in which a class of Japanese school children are given the run of a small island for the sole purpose of killing each other off. These drastic measures have been taken due to the delinquency of Japan’s youth, prompting the government to react in the only way they think the teenagers will understand – through further violence. To aid the students they are given supplies; food, water, a map, weapons ranging from fans to AK47’s, and an explosive collar which ensures they play the game as intended. If there is more than one survivor at the end of day three, these detonate into the unfortunate wearer’s neck - a similar fate is suffered if removal is attempted, or the student enters a “danger zone” (the number of which is increased throughout their stay on the island).



As the ninth graders are released to run amok, some are intent on playing the game and indulging in the slaughter, while others choose suicide or teamwork above such treachery. It is in this dichotomy which the film’s beauty lies; completely absorbing you as chances to escape and work as a team slip through the children’s fingers due to an inability to trust their classmates. The films focuses on the story of Kawada (Taro Yamamoto), a transfer student, who helps protect young couple Shuya Nanahara (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and Noriko Nakagawa (Aki Maeda) from their classmates, and second transfer student Kiriyama (Masanobu Ando), who joined through enjoyment of the slaughter. This said, some time is spent focusing on other students; the promiscuous killer Mitsuko (Kou Shibasaki), intent on settling childish grudges, class rebel Nobu, who quickly gets his comeuppance, and various friendship groups that crack under the strain of this extreme situation.



Running throughout Battle Royale are many themes, some vague and others apparent, first and foremost the socio-political commentary - a (not so) subtle dig at both the abundance and increasing popularity of reality TV-style voyeurism, and the dangers of an increasingly fear-driven society. The film can also be viewed as a rite of passage for the students, a Lord Of The Flies-esque quest for survival, a study of teenage isolation and rebellion, or – simplest of all, a game show. For me, however, the most affecting and interesting theme is that of a love story – how Noriko and Shuya stick together against everything. Shuya promises to protect his girl to the bitter end – raising the ultimate dilemma; would you, the viewer, be able to give up your life for your loved one if you were in his position? The amalgamation of these various themes makes for an extremely thought-provoking and emotional story that raises numerous questions about trust, love and our society as a whole.



This all helps create a well-written and extremely interesting film, the likes of which could only come from the land of the rising sun. The typically Japanese, open ending leaves much to personal interpretation and invites you to look deeper into the film, which can at the same time be enjoyed simply as an action movie. The acting is excellent, especially considering the age of the cast, with Takeshi Kitano making a welcome appearance as one of the few important adult characters in the film. Battle Royal is also, for the most part, very well shot, while the gory effects are enough to placate most horror fans. The prominent violence, however, doesn’t feel exploitative, instead driving home the numerous themes and adding shock to this already extreme film’s arsenal.



Despite the consistent quality of this movie, however, I have several complaints. Generally the humour in Battle Royale is fitting, fragmenting otherwise violent themes well, but at times it can seem misplaced, detracting from death scenes and intense moments. Much of the nostalgic sequences, and some of the action shots also feel extremely clichéd, in contradistinction to an otherwise extremely original piece of work. Hence this release is not for everyone, but many fans of world, extreme and action cinema will appreciate its charms.



The double DVD Special Edition version is well worth its £30 price tag. As well as a plethora of special features, the eight minutes of additional footage helps give clarity to, and explain, the behaviour of several of the characters. One of the most notable additions shows Mitsuko learning at a young age that she had to look after herself in order to survive, explaining her reaction to the extreme situation in which she finds herself. This release comes highly recommended. DVD special features include:



SPECIAL FEATURES:

· Limited Edition Deluxe Presentation

· Poster Art Collector's Card

· Unique Collector's Film Frame Card

· 4-page Information Booklet

Disc 1:

· Special Edition of the film featuring additional footage and alternate ending

· Scene selection

· Dolby Digital 5.1 Audio

· Optional English Subtitles

Disc 2:

· The Making of Battle Royale

· Battle Royale Press Conference

· Instruction Video: Birthday Version

· Audition and rehearsal footage

· Special effects comparison featurette

· Tokyo International Film Festival 2000

· Battle Royale Documentary

· Basket Ball scene rehearsals

· Behind the scenes featurette

· Filming on set

· Original theatrical trailer

· Special edition TV spot

· TV Spot: Tarantino version

· Director's statement

· On-screen filmographies

 

[Russell]

Nice! I'll read them this afternoon and get back to you. You still up for a few beers when I get over to London next month?

Cool, thanks! I'll look forward to hearing what you think

Definitely, just get in touch and we'll oranise something! I move up there on Saturday, so

 

[NAD]

Cool, now I just have to find a place to get it from. Ah, ebay has it. A bit pricey, I'll pick it up later this year.

Thanks!

 

[Russell]

www.play.com or playusa should have the region free NTSC version for pretty cheap

 

[NAD]

Hmm... don't see it there. I need a new DVD player eventually anyhow, I'll just get a multi-region one next time. My current DVD player was a door prize at a job fair my girlfriend went to.

 

[Russell]

Well, you're in a better position than me, mine just broke an hour ago.. Which should be fun, trying to get it repaired when I'll be all the way in London

It wasn't on playusa at all? Wierd... I saw it on the UK site

 

[NAD]

No, all I could find was the Dragon Ball Z Battle Royal.

The UK site had the Region 2 only version. D'oh.

 

[JayKeeley]

Russell - the reviews are excellent.

Octane sounds like someone grabbed the opening scene from Blade and turned it into a movie! I used to fancy Madeline Stowe as well, especially in Stakeout.

I'm very disappointed in the write ups for League of Xtra Ordinary Gentlemen - I was hoping that would be a good one.

Malefique sounds great. The idea of it all being set inside a prison cell intrigues me to say the least.

Cypher sounds ok. I'm not familiar with the directors work - I've yet to see Cube, and I know I need to see it.

Jeepers Creepers 2 - I liked the first one, but I'm still indifferent about the creature. The first 30 minutes of part 1 are scary as fuck, but once the creature is revealed, it becomes a 'regular' horror movie. At times, I wish the killer was real instead of a demon.

Phone - I think I'll avoid, since I have a near-obsession with Ringu and Dark Water. I would just sit there and draw comparisons.

The Last Horror Movie - I think I need to see/get this immediately. Oh yes indeed.

Gozu - I've yet to see all the Miike's films, but I'm trying to make it my mission to do so.

Cabin Fever - sounds like a sunday afternoon rental, alongside the upcoming Bubba Ho Tep with Bruce Campbell.

House of the Dead - what is wrong with directors these days? If you have ownership to make Zombie films like Resident Evil or House of the Dead, how dare they fuck them up?

Fear X - Hmmmm, still unsure on that one.

House of 1000 Corpses - I'll stick with the originals that this film draws inspiration from.

Good write up man.

 

[JayKeeley]

By the way Russell, have you seen Session 9 with David Carusso?

 

[Russell]

Russell - the reviews are excellent.

Cool, thanks! I'm glad you approve

I'm very disappointed in the write ups for League of Xtra Ordinary Gentlemen - I was hoping that would be a good one.

Heh, I didn't know anything about it before it came on... But it was a good fun distraction, not much more

Malefique sounds great. The idea of it all being set inside a prison cell intrigues me to say the least.

Oh believe me, it was! A must see if you get the chance i think, just to see how it is possible to make a film set in one room interesting

Cypher sounds ok. I'm not familiar with the directors work - I've yet to see Cube, and I know I need to see it.

I preferred cube I thinks

Jeepers Creepers 2 - I liked the first one, but I'm still indifferent about the creature. The first 30 minutes of part 1 are scary as fuck, but once the creature is revealed, it becomes a 'regular' horror movie. At times, I wish the killer was real instead of a demon.

Yeah, that's why I consider it a movie in two acts I know where you're coming from, but I've grown to like it the way it is.. I mean, I doubt he could have kept up the first third of the movie throughout...

The Last Horror Movie - I think I need to see/get this immediately. Oh yes indeed.

Good call! I didn't write that review I went to have lunch instead of seeing it!

Gozu - I've yet to see all the Miike's films, but I'm trying to make it my mission to do so.

Good luck, he's up to sixty something now happiness of the katakuris was released on dvd here today! WOO!

Cabin Fever - sounds like a sunday afternoon rental, alongside the upcoming Bubba Ho Tep with Bruce Campbell.

Probably a good plan.. On both counts

Good write up man.

Cheers dude! Glad you approve

 

[JayKeeley]

Yeah, that's why I consider it a movie in two acts I know where you're coming from, but I've grown to like it the way it is.. I mean, I doubt he could have kept up the first third of the movie throughout...

Regarding Jeepers Creepers, I think the surprise element of the film turning the way it did took over the overall film experience for me. Not in a bad way, but perhaps moreso of a distraction. I thought the first third of that film was done so well: out in the middle of nowhere, an abandoned church, some rusty old dumptruck, bodies being dumped down a shaftpipe sticking out of the ground...etc. Just brilliant atmosphere. I also think the ending was a complete surprise - very abrupt, and completely unexpected.

I'm keen to see part 2 just for the continuation of it - I understand it is set the day after part 1.

By the way, I relate part 1 a little to From Dusk 'till Dawn. Completely different first half to the last half - except with Dusk, I knew what to expect going in. The people who didn't left the theatre scratching their heads a little.

 

[JayKeeley]

No, all I could find was the Dragon Ball Z Battle Royal.

The UK site had the Region 2 only version. D'oh.

NAD - here's an eBay store selling Battle Royale (multi-region) for $7. http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=18636144&ssPageName=L2

I urge you to check this film out. The Japanese seem to do things 'differently'. If you like, there is more....

 

[JayKeeley]

By the way Russell, have you seen Session 9 with David Carusso?

@Russell - sorry to ask again, but have you seen Session 9?

 

[NAD]

NAD - here's an eBay store selling Battle Royale (multi-region) for $7. http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=18636144&ssPageName=L2

Cheers!

The Believer was awesome by the way, watched that last night.

 

[JayKeeley]

Cheers!

The Believer was awesome by the way, watched that last night.

It's pretty interesting - the whole reverse role of it all. The turning point for him was obviously in group therapy with the holocaust survivors stories.

You should get Battle Royale. I'm waiting for Battle Royale 2...

 

[Russell]

Regarding Jeepers Creepers, I think the surprise element of the film turning the way it did took over the overall film experience for me. Not in a bad way, but perhaps moreso of a distraction. I thought the first third of that film was done so well: out in the middle of nowhere, an abandoned church, some rusty old dumptruck, bodies being dumped down a shaftpipe sticking out of the ground...etc. Just brilliant atmosphere. I also think the ending was a complete surprise - very abrupt, and completely unexpected.

Yeah, that was one hell of a first act, but I was warned of the change beforehand, so was expecting it. Hence there was no dissapointment for me there..

I'm keen to see part 2 just for the continuation of it - I understand it is set the day after part 1.

Something like that, within a few days anyway.. Like I said in the review, as long as you go into it without overly high expectations you should enjoy it!