This week, the Film Society presents Battle Royale バトル・ロワイアル (2000), the explosive cult classic by Kinji Fukasaku.
A razor-sharp blend of thriller, satire, and social commentary, Battle Royale imagines a near-future Japan where a class of middle-school students is forced into a state-sanctioned death match. Featuring a chilling performance by Takeshi Kitano as the sinister teacher, Kitano, the film is a fierce critique of authoritarianism, generational fear, and the pressures placed on youth. The film’s unflinching violence sparked intense global debate, leading to censorship battles and delayed releases in several countries, yet it remains one of the most influential works of 21st-century cinema.
Bold, provocative, and impossible to ignore, Battle Royale challenges viewers to confront the darker edges of obedience, survival, and society itself.
Hosted by Dr. Richard Davis!
