A couple days ago, I arrived home and checked the mailbox to find Laura’s next Netflix selection, Battle Royale. Not having anything better to do, I popped it in. After 2 hours I was thoroughly entertained and a bit confused.

Being that it is a Japanese movie, there is no English audio, only subtitles. I missed the first few minutes since I was making dinner, but I soon became entrenched in the film. The premise of the movie is that it’s the turn of the millennium and Japan’s society is getting out of control. The youth are rebelling against the adults. To cure this societal breakdown, the adults decide to implement the Battle Royale Act which says that each year a random class of 7th graders will be selected to battle to the death. The game ends when only one student remains.

Apparently, the movie is banned from distribution in the US. The deaths in the movie range from humorous to downright violent, but this is clearly not the reason for such a restriction. I would venture to guess that the reason it is banned is because of the subject matter. With all the school violence of the 90’s, I’m sure the last thing anyone would want young people to see is a movie about their peers killing each other. I somewhat agree. Then again, I have no doubts this movie would be rated R and therefore not directed towards the age group it portrays.

The concept is interesting and quite thought provoking. Put aside the fact that these are 13-14 year olds and put yourself in their shoes. Could you kill your friends and peers. I know back in 7th grade I would’ve had no problem with some people, but some of my real friends I know I’d have a hard time with.

As I said earlier this was a great movie that really made me think. There are quite a few very graphic scenes, so if you’re squeamish, I wouldn’t reccommend watching this. I could’ve done without some of the cheesy teenage love subplots, but overall, I think this is a eye-opening flick.