Matisse van Rossum’s review published on Letterboxd:
Battle Royale is a bizarre film to say the least, but in the best way possible. It's basically The Hunger Games way before The Hunger Games was a thing and also takes place in Japan, so if you haven't seen it, I'm sure you can see where this is going. It's suitably over the top, but surprisingly well executed. Despite the fact that it's a story about 40 -some-odd teenagers fighting to the death on a deserted island, there's a surprising amount of character development. Most of the teenagers have their own little story that we get to see, regardless of how short or insignificant, and this makes them more than just bodies to add to the count (although we do get a countdown with each one that dies).
Battle Royale is a film with a very simple premise, but it comes off as anything but simple while watching it. It puts an incredible amount of focus on the lives of young teenagers, exploring their first loves, petty rivalries, and close friendships in the midst of an over the top, extra gory bloodbath. It's also very well shot and it's apparent that a lot of care went into the making of this film, despite its occasional campiness.
Overall I think it's an excellent film and a wild ride. It somehow manages to simultaneously be exciting, gory, funny, and disturbing. It has a strong script, competent actors, and excellent cinematography. A very solidly put together film all in all.