I read about this earlier today, and I am having trouble coming to terms with it. Now I don't have anything against remakes, but this film always struck me as something that you would never see coming from Hollywood. The concept is a little more controversial, and I don't think that America at large would find the story all that palatable. I know that is a sweeping generalization — but I think if you break it down to the individual level you will find many people who really like this or who are genuinely interested.
The original Battle Royale is based on a novel of the same name that took Japanese theaters by force back in 2000. It was directed by Kinji Fukasaku, who also directed the Japanese portion of Tora! Tora! Tora! It has developed a large worldwide audience, and even spawned a sequel. Now it seems that New Line is looking to remake it in America with Neal Moritz producing. The report at Ain't it Cool News says that the plan is for a hard R-rated film, something I'll believe when I see it. I am not sure I believe this will ever come to fruition, at least in a form that does the original justice.
For those of you who have not been initiated to the world of Battle Royale, allow me to tell you a little bit about it. The story is set in the near future, the government is trying to find a way to control the younger population. In response to the increasingly unruly young generation, the Educational Reform Act is instituted, thereafter dubbed the Battle Royale Act. This act allows the government to go to great lengths to subdue the youth. Think of the movie as a combination of Lord of the Flies and The Running Man.
It begins with the kidnapping of a random high school class. Every student is drugged and taken to some remote location, in this case, an island. Once there, they are outfitted with explosive collars, handed a bag with some type of weapon, and sent out into the wilderness one at a time. The goal is to kill your classmates and be the only one left alive at the end of 24 hours, or everyone dies. Makes me glad I'm out of school!
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Article comments
1 - Aaron Fleming
Bah! This news leads me to a decision of ignoring these remake jobs as just more of life's little silly things. Like an itchy thumb, just disregarded as unimportant nothingness.
Although yes, it is an unusual choice. Great original. The sequel wasn't so hot. End of discussion.
2 - Jared
Since I have wretched vision, I can't see the subtitles. Thus have never been able to truly watch the movie. I'd hope it comes to pass just so I could actually watch a film I've been hearing about forever.
3 - Steve C.
Having seen Battle Royale twice, I can state with certainty that this is asking for a disaster. Neal "The Skulls" Moritz producing a remake of a film that depended on its careful balance of cruelty, black humor, tact and emotion to not fall apart? That's as bad as Justin Lin remaking Oldboy.
4 - Stewie
Uhh, no. Having read your intro, uhh no. By your explanation, i perceive that your describing the movie plotline, which is fine. But the students do NOT have a limit of 24 hours to kill each other, but 72 hours (3 days). And they are not sent out into the wilderness per se, since blatant traces of civilization still exist on the island. Please take note, because if a fan can't even get the story straight, then what chance does a Hollywood producer have of not screwing it all up for the rest of us have?