Salor Suit and Machine Gun
A perky high-schooler takes on the mob in “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun”, a one-of-a-kind genre-bender that riffs on the yakuza film, coming-of-age drama and ‘idol movie’, inventively adapted from Jiro Akagawa’s popular novel by director Shinji Somai, a massively influential figure in Japanese cinema whose work has been little seen outside his homeland.
Hoshi Izumi is a young innocent forced to grow up quickly when her father dies and she finds herself next in line as the boss of a moribund yakuza clan. Wrenched from the security of her classroom and thrust into the heart of the criminal underworld, she must come to terms with the fact that her actions hold the key to the life or death of the men under her command as they come under fire from rival gangs.
Presented in both its Original Theatrical and longer Complete versions, and...
A perky high-schooler takes on the mob in “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun”, a one-of-a-kind genre-bender that riffs on the yakuza film, coming-of-age drama and ‘idol movie’, inventively adapted from Jiro Akagawa’s popular novel by director Shinji Somai, a massively influential figure in Japanese cinema whose work has been little seen outside his homeland.
Hoshi Izumi is a young innocent forced to grow up quickly when her father dies and she finds herself next in line as the boss of a moribund yakuza clan. Wrenched from the security of her classroom and thrust into the heart of the criminal underworld, she must come to terms with the fact that her actions hold the key to the life or death of the men under her command as they come under fire from rival gangs.
Presented in both its Original Theatrical and longer Complete versions, and...
- 8/29/2021
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Battle Royale
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku
Screenplay by Kinji Fukasaku
2000, Japan
A pre-title scroll, set to a classical thundering score, quickly establishes what seems to be a dystopian alternate-universe-Japan. The nation collapsed leaving 15 percent unemployed and 800,000 students boycotting school. The government passed something called the Millennium Educational Reform Act, which apparently provides for a class of ninth-graders to be chosen each year and pitted against one another on a remote island for three days. Each student is given a bag with a randomly selected weapon and a few rations of food and water and sent off to kill each other in a no-holds-barred game to the death. With 48 contestants, only one will go home alive. Yes, this has been often noted as the “original Hunger Games”; whether or not the author of that series (Suzanne Collins) borrowed heavily from Kinji Fukasaku’s near masterpiece or the novel by Koushun Takami...
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku
Screenplay by Kinji Fukasaku
2000, Japan
A pre-title scroll, set to a classical thundering score, quickly establishes what seems to be a dystopian alternate-universe-Japan. The nation collapsed leaving 15 percent unemployed and 800,000 students boycotting school. The government passed something called the Millennium Educational Reform Act, which apparently provides for a class of ninth-graders to be chosen each year and pitted against one another on a remote island for three days. Each student is given a bag with a randomly selected weapon and a few rations of food and water and sent off to kill each other in a no-holds-barred game to the death. With 48 contestants, only one will go home alive. Yes, this has been often noted as the “original Hunger Games”; whether or not the author of that series (Suzanne Collins) borrowed heavily from Kinji Fukasaku’s near masterpiece or the novel by Koushun Takami...
- 3/21/2012
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
As you probably know by now, blockbuster season (as denoted by movies that people actually go see en masse) starts in earnest this week with the release of Gary Ross’s The Hunger Games, adapted from Suzanne Collins’s ludicrously popular book series. Ricky D, Simon Howell and Justine Smith take on the new flick, and take the opportunity to also talk up one of the most infamous cult movies of the 2000s, Japan’s Battle Royale, which shares a whole lot of conceptual tissue.
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Music Playlist:
Arcade Fire – “Abraham’s Daughter”
Masamichi Amano – “Battle Royale Opening Theme”
- Listen on iTunes RSS feeds Twitter Facebook Tumblr Podcast Feed
-...
Download the show in a new window
Music Playlist:
Arcade Fire – “Abraham’s Daughter”
Masamichi Amano – “Battle Royale Opening Theme”
- Listen on iTunes RSS feeds Twitter Facebook Tumblr Podcast Feed
-...
- 3/21/2012
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
When the inevitable debate arises over the merits of literature against cinema, the written word almost always emerges victorious. Alongside the few films to actually better the source material is Kinji Fukasaku’s ultraviolent Battle Royale, an altogether more concise, barbed political satire when compared to Koshun Takami’s more straight-laced work of pulp fiction. Right from its matter-of-fact opening and throughout, this is unerringly gripping cinema, and while known as much for its controversy as its brilliance, it is no mere act of novel shockery; this is a thoughtful, stylistically compelling film with potent comparisons to the aestheticisation of violence demonstrated in Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.
The film is available in the U.K. on Blu-ray from tomorrow. Here is our review…
At the dawn of the millennium, with Japan facing social decline, with the highest-ever rates of unemployment and truancy from school, the government passed the B.
The film is available in the U.K. on Blu-ray from tomorrow. Here is our review…
At the dawn of the millennium, with Japan facing social decline, with the highest-ever rates of unemployment and truancy from school, the government passed the B.
- 3/6/2011
- by Shaun Munro
- Obsessed with Film
Originally released in 2000 Battle Royale was a mini phenomenon in its native Japan and also overseas, aided somewhat by the controversy that surrounded it. When the Japanese censorship board, Eirin, checked a rough cut of the film they pointed out particular scenes that they felt should be cut, advice that director Kinji Fukasaku ignored. The film was therefore slapped with the R-15 certification, a rarity for a mainstream Japanese film and a certificate that prevented anyone under the age of 15 from seeing it.
The content of the film and its release coming just a year after the events in Columbine in 1999 insured that American distributors steered clear and it received no official release there. UK distributor Tartan picked up the film though and their now out of print DVD (they folded in 2008) did great business in exports to the Us. Following the folding of Tartan films, Arrow Video picked up...
The content of the film and its release coming just a year after the events in Columbine in 1999 insured that American distributors steered clear and it received no official release there. UK distributor Tartan picked up the film though and their now out of print DVD (they folded in 2008) did great business in exports to the Us. Following the folding of Tartan films, Arrow Video picked up...
- 1/4/2011
- by Craig Skinner
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Arrow Video isn't content with releasing a modern genre classic with just excellent picture and sound. Nope. They're one of the few companies left standing that seek to appease the die hard collector on a consistent basis, and we absolutely love them for it. And their Battle Royale collector's edition looks like it's their most ambitious offering yet.
Arrow will release their epic, limited edition gift set of Battle Royale on DVD and Blu-ray on December 13th in the UK. Our good friend Stef Hutchinson dropped us a line telling us that he has a new comic book titled Battle Royale: Parent's Day included in Arrow's box of awesomeness!
Complete specs include:
3-disc Limited Edition Set Features:
* Brand New Restored Transfer In Glorious High Definition 1080P Of Both Films
* Brand New Subtitle Translation On Both Features
* Limited Edition Packaging Numbered #/5000 With Certificate
* Limited Edition Exclusive Special Features
Disc 1 Theatrical...
Arrow will release their epic, limited edition gift set of Battle Royale on DVD and Blu-ray on December 13th in the UK. Our good friend Stef Hutchinson dropped us a line telling us that he has a new comic book titled Battle Royale: Parent's Day included in Arrow's box of awesomeness!
Complete specs include:
3-disc Limited Edition Set Features:
* Brand New Restored Transfer In Glorious High Definition 1080P Of Both Films
* Brand New Subtitle Translation On Both Features
* Limited Edition Packaging Numbered #/5000 With Certificate
* Limited Edition Exclusive Special Features
Disc 1 Theatrical...
- 12/11/2010
- by Masked Slasher
- DreadCentral.com
Back in 2000 Battle Royale caused a bit of a stir with its uncompromising take on a Lord of the Flies scenario taking place in a near future Japan. I saw it at the cinema in 2001 and was both unprepared and completely blown away. Blackly comic and surprisingly affecting, it melded Japanese pop sensibilities, Us high school bickering and operatic violence to alarming effect. Appearing at a time when extreme Asian cinema was just emerging in the UK, it was an instant cult hit.
Revisiting Kinji Fukasaku's film now, it inevitably doesn't feel quite as fresh as it once did, and at worst seems rather dated. Of course it's still a hugely distinctive movie, but its flaws are a little clearer and its shock factor considerably lower.
Unable to contend with growing unrest amongst the nation's youth, the Japanese government passes the Battle Royale act; each year a class of...
Revisiting Kinji Fukasaku's film now, it inevitably doesn't feel quite as fresh as it once did, and at worst seems rather dated. Of course it's still a hugely distinctive movie, but its flaws are a little clearer and its shock factor considerably lower.
Unable to contend with growing unrest amongst the nation's youth, the Japanese government passes the Battle Royale act; each year a class of...
- 12/9/2010
- Screen Anarchy
Arrow Video has released package shots and further details for their upcoming (November 29th) Blu-ray Disc (and DVD) release of Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale. The Blu-ray Disc edition is limited to 10.000pc and is currently available at Amazon.co.uk for £16.99. According to a tweet (can’t find the link right now) from Arrow, the Blu-ray Disc will be region free!
Brand new restored transfer in high definition 1080p of both theatrical and director’s cut
Brand new subtitle translation on both features
Limited edition packaging numbered #/5000 with certificate
Limited edition exclusive special features
Disc 1 – Theatrical Cut
Original theatrical trailer, The making of Battle Royale: The Experience of 42 High School Students, Conducting Battle Royale with the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra
Disc 2 – Special Edition (Director’s Cut)
Special Edition Trailer, TV Spot: Tarantino Version, Shooting the Special Edition, Takeshi Kitano interview, The correct way to make Battle Royale [Birthday Version], Tokyo...
Brand new restored transfer in high definition 1080p of both theatrical and director’s cut
Brand new subtitle translation on both features
Limited edition packaging numbered #/5000 with certificate
Limited edition exclusive special features
Disc 1 – Theatrical Cut
Original theatrical trailer, The making of Battle Royale: The Experience of 42 High School Students, Conducting Battle Royale with the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra
Disc 2 – Special Edition (Director’s Cut)
Special Edition Trailer, TV Spot: Tarantino Version, Shooting the Special Edition, Takeshi Kitano interview, The correct way to make Battle Royale [Birthday Version], Tokyo...
- 10/28/2010
- by Ulrik
- Affenheimtheater
Okay, this isn't really news, but a lot of people have been very eager to see this, so I'm posting the updated artwork for the Battle Royale Limited Edition Blu-ray and DVD. Check out the gallery below. Looks pretty awesome to me.
3 Disc Limited Edition Blu-ray Set Features:
- Brand New Restored Transfer In Glorious High Definition 1080P Of Both Films
- Brand New Subtitle Translation On Both Features
- Limited Edition Packaging Numbered #/5000 With Certificate
- Limited Edition Exclusive Special Features
Disc 1 - Theatrical Cut: Special Features
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- The Making Of Battle Royale: The Experience Of 42 High School Students
- Conducting Battle Royale With The Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra
Disc 2 - Special Edition [Director's Cut]: Special Features
- Special Edition Trailer
- TV Spot: Tarantino Version
- Shooting The Special Edition
- Takeshi Kitano Interview
- The Correct Way To Make Battle Royale [Birthday Version]
- Tokyo...
3 Disc Limited Edition Blu-ray Set Features:
- Brand New Restored Transfer In Glorious High Definition 1080P Of Both Films
- Brand New Subtitle Translation On Both Features
- Limited Edition Packaging Numbered #/5000 With Certificate
- Limited Edition Exclusive Special Features
Disc 1 - Theatrical Cut: Special Features
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- The Making Of Battle Royale: The Experience Of 42 High School Students
- Conducting Battle Royale With The Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra
Disc 2 - Special Edition [Director's Cut]: Special Features
- Special Edition Trailer
- TV Spot: Tarantino Version
- Shooting The Special Edition
- Takeshi Kitano Interview
- The Correct Way To Make Battle Royale [Birthday Version]
- Tokyo...
- 10/26/2010
- Screen Anarchy
[Update! As a result of overwhelming demand, Arrow Video have announced that the Limited Edition of the Battle Royale Blu-ray will be extended from 5,000 units to 10,000 units. Get your orders in fast, though, this one is going to fly off the shelves!]
Just a quick note on the specs for the new Battle Royale Blu-ray coming next month, this comes directly from the Cult Labs forum:
It is with great excitement that we can now reveal the specs and extras list for Arrow Video's Limited Edition release of Kinji Fukasaku's incredible Battle Royale on both Blu Ray and DVD - both out 29th November 2010.
Make yourself comfortable because there is A Lot to go through here.
And do read to the end...
3 Disc Limited Edition Blu-ray Set Features:
- Brand New Restored Transfer In Glorious High Definition 1080P Of Both Films
- Brand New Subtitle Translation On Both Features
- Limited Edition Packaging Numbered #/5000 With Certificate
- Limited Edition Exclusive Special Features
Disc 1 - Theatrical Cut: Special Features
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- The Making Of Battle Royale: The Experience Of 42 High School Students
- Conducting Battle Royale With The...
Just a quick note on the specs for the new Battle Royale Blu-ray coming next month, this comes directly from the Cult Labs forum:
It is with great excitement that we can now reveal the specs and extras list for Arrow Video's Limited Edition release of Kinji Fukasaku's incredible Battle Royale on both Blu Ray and DVD - both out 29th November 2010.
Make yourself comfortable because there is A Lot to go through here.
And do read to the end...
3 Disc Limited Edition Blu-ray Set Features:
- Brand New Restored Transfer In Glorious High Definition 1080P Of Both Films
- Brand New Subtitle Translation On Both Features
- Limited Edition Packaging Numbered #/5000 With Certificate
- Limited Edition Exclusive Special Features
Disc 1 - Theatrical Cut: Special Features
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- The Making Of Battle Royale: The Experience Of 42 High School Students
- Conducting Battle Royale With The...
- 10/22/2010
- Screen Anarchy
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