A Few More Headers
Not that I’m gonna use them, but I made two new headers just for fun. Click the images to enlarge.
» First one, which is a just a variation of the one I use now, is basically inspired by my favorite movie Battle Royale.
» The second one uses an image from the game Hitman: Blood Money.
Battle Royale US Remake
I was reading Kendra’s blog and just found out that there will be a remake of Battle Royale since the rights were bought by New Line Cinema. I had heard that there might be a remake eventually but never expected something to actually happen! No director has been found, but as Kendra suggests Quintin Tarantino would without a doubt be the best choice, since he’s a good director and truly loves the original - I saw that when I saw a commercial for Battle Royale, which was shown in Japan where they had mixed the original commercial with clips of him giving his opinion about the movie.
From AintItCoolNews:
Allegedly it’s going to be an extremely Hard R - serious-minded Americanization of BATTLE ROYALE.
I’m SUPER excited about the movie. For one reason and that’s not that I think that this will be a good movie. I’ll watch it as soon as I can, but the reason I’m anxious to see this project progress is that I want more people to know about my favorite movie. Thanks to the recent horror remakes of Dark Water, The Ring (and more on the way!) more people now know about the original and much better Japanese versions and I’d like to see the same thing happen with Battle Royale.
Battle Royale Special Version LE Tin
This morning I received my copy of the OOP (Out Of Print) 2-disc Special Version Limited Edition Battle Royale Tin DVD! I got it through an auction on Amazon and so it costed me a bit more money than I paid when I pre-ordered Battle Royale 2: Revenge (also tin), but it was more than worth it! I’ve been watching the second disc for what seems to be most of the day. I already had the regular Tartan release, but this time around, not only did I get PLENTY of subtitled extras to enjoy, but also the extended version of the movie is featured in this damn fine release.
Probably the coolest bonus that comes with the DVD is the Battle Royale Special Edition Collector’s Film Card, which reads:
“To celebrate the release of Battle Royale Special Edition Tartan Video is proud to present this Limited Edition Collector’s Film Frame Card. This truly unique artifact is individually numbered and features a hand-cut film frame, taken directly from a theatrical print.”
The frame is from when Kawada talks about his previous participation in Battle Royale.
These are the features of this Limited Edition:
At the dawn of the Millenium, the nation collapsed. At 15% unemployment, 10 million were out of work, 800,000 students boycotted school. The adults lost confidence, and fearing the youth, eventually passed the ‘Millenium Educational Reform Act’…AKA: The BR Act.
Battle Royale is originally based on a Japanese novel that sent shockwaves through the country. Not having finished the book yet, I can’t say for sure is that it’s as disturbing as the movie. It’s the very essence of the word “controversial” and has been banned in over 12 countries; it’s meant to leave you breathless, wondering about the society today and what it might become. But enough with the speculations and now to the review itself:
At the dawn of the century a new law is passed. “Battle Royale” as it’s been named is essentially about sending a class of 42, 15-year-olds off to a deserted island, where they must kill each other off in an attempt to be the last person standing and the only person returning back home. That one person will then be considered not only a winner but also a symbol of what the adults think is wrong with the modern society; the lack of respect towards adults. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. At the same time you come to realize that a movie with a storyline like this can only have it’s roots in the Asian culture.
The movie starts out with the aforementioned class finally going on a long awaited school trip. The trip turns out to be a part of a plan and all of the students are put to sleep with some sort of gas. When they wake up they all notice that they are wearing something similar to that of a dog collar. These will explode and slit your throat leaving you in a pool of blood though. Later on they get explanations and answers about what’s going on. Armored with weapons such as Uzi’s, pistols, shotguns, sickles, binoculars and even something ridiculous as a pot lid they begin their violent 3-day stay.
This is where the action sets off and they get a chance to see who are their real friends and who’s an imposter. One thing is for sure. The truth will reveal itself when such an extreme pressure is given to you. On the island they form their own teams and small society with leaders, subjects and so on. Just like in the real world, only more severe and extreme of course. But other than that the terms are the same.
When you reach the credits and the movie is over you can’t help but ponder a little about the movie. It should raise some questions within you and hopefully slip an answer or two. It definitely got me thinking. Are somewhat modern inventions (Television, computers, cell phones, etc.) making generations to drift apart causing disrespect to grow? Can disrespect be confused with lack of understanding?
The movie contains very powerful images, some of which are accompanied with classical music reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange and it’s simply the complete package in my book. It’s got love, friendships, action and drama.
Best movie ever in my humble opinion.
Trailer:
Preview of the extras. “Oki” sings a song to entertain his fellow cast members:
Theme song:
Dragon Ash - Shizukana Hibi Wo Kaidan Wo (the stair steps of a quiet day)
Who Said That Books Are Boring?
I’m currently re-reading Battle Royale, well to tell the truth I didn’t exactly finish it the first time around after I got home from Ireland last year. I meant to, though. The movie is probably my favorite movie of all time, and so far the novel is equally awesome. Something I read last night stayed with me.
Page 47, line 15:
“The soldier pumped two bullets into Mr. Hayashida’s head. The rest of Hayashida’s head flew apart. The high powered bullets tore apart his brains and bones which formed a bloody mist and splattered all over the faces and chests of the students in the front row.
The echoes from the gunfire subsided. There was hardly any trace of Hayashida’s head.
The solder tossed Hayashida’s body to the side of the lectern. No one was screaming.
42 students remaining”
Who said that books are boring? Not me… well not anymore at least!