Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ultraviolent Japanese cult movie came before Hunger Games.
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Battle Royale
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 39 kid reviews
Kids say that this film, while exceptionally well-made and engaging, is extremely violent and disturbing, often compared to "The Hunger Games" but described as darker and more graphic. Many appreciate its complex characters and thought-provoking themes, but caution that it is only suitable for mature audiences due to its intense and graphic depictions of violence and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
- violence and gore
- mature themes
- complex characters
- similar to hunger games
- unsettling yet engaging
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In an alternate universe, the Japanese government seeks to control the country's youth with the annual "Battle Royale" tournament. A class of 50 ninth graders, hijacked during a class trip, are chosen for the games. They are fitted with explosive collars that also track their movements. Set loose upon an island, they are required to kill their classmates before time runs out; the survivor gets to go home alive. If they try to cheat, their collars will explode. They are given survival packs and weapons, which range from guns to a pot lid. As the game drags on, the number of survivors dwindles, but those that are left do not give up hope: there may be a last-ditch, desperate plan to save themselves.
Is It Any Good?
Battle Royale was the final film by the Japanese exploitation master Kinji Fukasaku, who was 70 at the time, and he clearly put everything he had into it. Despite the 122-minute running time, it's exquisitely paced and balanced, varying periods of rest and hope with periods of shock and violence. The huge cast of teens -- including future Kill Bill star Chiaki Kuriyama -- is handled well. Characters unexpectedly reveal new sides of their personalities, i.e. sudden courage or cowardice.
Fukasaku plays the movie for bloody thrills while keeping the sinister message in the background. Viewers will likely find themselves thinking about the movie long afterward, as it grows richer. The final masterstroke is the casting of filmmaker/performer Takeshi Kitano (who acts under a stage name, "Beat" Takeshi), as the former teacher and current ringmaster. He brings a very dark, deadpan humor to his role, as well a quiet thoughtfulness, turning him into one of the great tragic movie villains.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's extreme violence. How does the movie use it, and what is the effect? Does it make you cheer or squirm? Or both? Could the same story be told with less violence?
What are the differences and similarities between Battle Royale and The Hunger Games? How do the messages of each movie compare?
Are there any strong female role models in this movie, compared with Katniss of The Hunger Games?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 16, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : March 20, 2012
- Cast : Beat Takeshi , Chiaki Kuriyama , Tatsuya Fujiwara
- Director : Kinji Fukasaku
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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