Podcast 276: Battle Royale

A class of ninth graders. One deserted island. Three days. One survivor. What could possibly go wrong? Enter the deadly world of Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale, the controversial Japanese film that forced a class of students to fight to the death and went on to influence generations of movies and television. The guys break down the story, brutal kills, standout performances, including Takeshi Kitano’s unforgettable turn as Kitano, and the movie’s mix of dark humor, violence, tragedy, and social commentary. They also dig into the controversy surrounding the film, its troubled path to audiences, and the themes beneath all the bloodshed: authoritarian control, teenage rebellion, trust, betrayal, and the loss of childhood innocence. Plus, they debate the inevitable comparisons to The Hunger Games and Squid Game, test their survival skills with Battle Royale trivia, hear from listeners, and decide whether this cult favorite lives up to its reputation. Grab your randomly assigned backpack, check your explosive collar and choose your allies carefully. The battle is on.