This Cult Japanese Action Thriller Is the Perfect Choice to Watch Before Squid Game S2 Drops
It's another deadly game that will keep you glued to the screen.
Netflix 's biggest hit of 2021 was Squid Game, and on December 26 we will finally see the second chapter of this exciting story.
And if you are racking your brains in agonizing anticipation of what to watch, then you should turn to the closest relative of the Korean show – the Japanese film Battle Royale.
What Is Battle Royale About?
In the future, 15% of Japan's population has lost their jobs due to an economic crisis. Students boycott schools and riots begin in the streets. To stabilize the situation, the government launches a radical project called Battle Royale, in which it is impossible to refuse to participate.
At the end of the school year, under the pretext of a field trip, 42 teenagers are taken to an island in the middle of the ocean and told that Battle Royale is about to begin.
This is a survival game in which only one teenager wins. If a champion is not identified within 72 hours, the collar placed on each of them will explode. There is little time for empty talk, and knives, machine guns, crossbows, and even poison are used to win.
Battle Royale Is One of Quentin Tarantino 's Favorite Movies
Like Squid Game, the movie impresses with its cruelty. But if the series needs long flashbacks and attempts to somehow describe the characters and give them a backstory, then Battle Royale is an Asian extreme without any superficiality.
It is not for nothing that Quentin Tarantino has repeatedly called Battle Royale one of his favorite movies.
Battle Royale Features One of Takeshi Kitano's Best Roles
One of the most striking characters in the movie is the sadistic teacher played by Takeshi Kitano. The former classroom teacher and current host of the survival game is not easy to portray.
Even in the most despicable moments, when he puts children against each other or even kills them, Kitano remains Kitano: Takeshi is incredibly charismatic and evokes a strange sympathy.
Kitano, also because of his background and comedic talent, gives the character depth. He is not a puppet from Squid Game or just a voice from a loudspeaker. Something has brought the teacher to this island, it is a suicidal mission: like the children, there is no way back for him.
Where to Watch Battle Royale?
Battle Royale is available to stream on Netflix.