Having watched the rather cheesy, but still entertaining, 2000 film adaption of Battle Royale, I figured it may be time I read the 1999 novel to see how it differs in terms of tone and execution.
This Japanese dystopian-horror hybrid focuses on a peculiar concept where, under a fascists and totalitarian government, a select group of young classmates must engage in a fatal showdown until only one survives… for entertainment purposes, I presume.
Surprising to think that such a novel was not written until the late-1990s. Many video games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, have arguably been inspired by the written and cinematic versions of Takami’s novel.
I look forward to giving it a read, eventually. If this grotesque concept appeals to you, maybe consider giving it a read, too. There is a remastered version of the novel, whatever that means, but I think I’ll stick with my plan to read the original.
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