Tarantino-Approved ‘Battle Royale’ Returns to Theaters in 4K

While it’s been argued that Stephen King’s novel The Long Walk may have inspired Suzanne Collins’ book series The Hunger Games, there’s also a dystopian action horror film that may have directly influenced Collins’ bestsellers and their movie adaptations. That film is Battle Royale, and 25 years after its original release, it’s returning to theaters with a newly restored 4K edition that also features an interview with the original writer.

Since director Kinji Fukasaku completed Battle Royale, it’s been shrouded in controversy. The film was so graphic that releasing it proved difficult, but ultimately, audiences worldwide witnessed the carnage — including director Quentin Tarantino, who’s said he wishes he’d made the movie. Courtesy of Lionsgate and Iconic Events, Battle Royale will play in theaters nationwide October 12, 13, and 15. Tickets are already available on Iconic Events’ website. The site notes:

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of visionary director Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale with a new theatrical release in partnership with Iconic Events. This special screening is presented on 4K along with a new interview with the screenwriter — Kinji’s son Kenta — sharing an intimate look at the forces that shaped his father and how they inspired his final film. Battle Royale is an intense and brutal story about Japanese high school students who are sent off by their government with three days to kill each other — until only one remains. With its blend of social commentary and high-stakes action, Battle Royale continues to influence modern dystopian storytelling and has inspired countless television shows, video games, and films. (Interview in Japanese with English subtitles).

The film stars cinema legend Takeshi Kitano as the teacher tasked with briefing the students on their deadly mission. Joining him are Aki Maeda, Tarō Yamamoto, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Kou Shibasaki, Masanobu Andō, and Chiaki Kuriyama. The film was written by Kenta Fukasaku, who based his script on Koushun Takami’s horror novel of the same name.

After facing heavy scrutiny in Japan, Battle Royale didn’t reach U.S. theaters until 2011. The limited theatrical release was then extended, and the buzz around Battle Royale turned it into a cult film rather quickly. Today, it has a 90% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and boasts a Certified Fresh label.

Three years after its original release and subsequent acclaim, it received a sequel, titled Battle Royale II: Requiem, which wasn’t as well-received as its predecessor.

Hollywood Legend Quentin Tarantino Cites ‘Battle Royale’ as the One Movie He Wishes He’d Made

Quentin Tarantino’s contribution to cinema is unquestionable. He revolutionized modern storytelling in the early ’90s and continues to operate outside Hollywood’s norms. He’s also not shy about paying homage to the films that shaped him.

A few years ago, he talked about Battle Royale on a special episode of late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. When asked which movie he wishes he’d made, Tarantino didn’t hesitate to confirm to guest host Dana Carvey that Battle Royale is the top choice:

“I’m a big fan of the Japanese movie Battle Royale, which is what Hunger Games was based on, well Hunger Games just ripped it off, straight up ripped it off. That would have been awesome to have directed Battle Royale.”