A Japanese film based on a Japanese book, Battle Royale supposedly inspired The Hunger Games, an American film based on an American book. Needless to say, Battle Royale is not only an infinitely grittier and more entertaining film, but also a more believable story. Set in the not too distant future, the Japanese economy has collapsed, unemployment has rocketed and youth crime has exploded. Weary of their nations youth, the Japanese government passes The BR Law, which states that every year a 9th grade class is packed off to a remote island for a gargantuan fight to the death. The students are locked into neck collars that explode in certain hot spots, given a random weapon (some undeniably more useful than others), and forced to hunt each other until there is only one survivor. Let's just say that friendships are tested. While Battle Royale is an excellent story with raw character portrayals, its exploits in violence are what make it stand out. There's something hugely unsettling about a 15-year-old getting stabbed in the forehead by a classmate. Not only is it a film that looks at morality and psychology, but it also climaxes with a powerful and unexpected twist. This film hits like a cinematic hammer to the face.
