Dino T's Thoughts and Opinions.
| BATTLE ROYALE II: MISUNDERSTOOD? |
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*This review contains spoilers of the movie "Battle Royale II". I recommend you watch the movie first and then read this column so you will know what I'm talking about.*  So many people rate this movie below par to it's predecessor, Battle Royale. This is is mostly due to the lack of character development on the original (not the Director's cut) which is more commonly found in English speaking countries. This, I feel, is because the viewer hasn't fully realised the message behind the movie, often thinking it gives a pro-terrorist message and shows disrespect to the 9/11 terrorist attack. That is not the case, as character development takes a back seat to a greater cause. I will explain. At the beginning, the teacher Riki Takeuch mentions the names of all the countries the US have bombed. That is a message saying that all those countries had terrorists and because of that, they paid the price of getting bombed by the US who are seen as freedom fighters. Then later on, Takuma Aoi kills a soldier and the soldier, with his dying breathe, says "I have... a family.. to." This is just a reminder that no matter what side you are on, if you kill a man, you aren't only killing him but the future of those who love him. Shuya Nanahara then broadcasts the same names that we're written on the blackboard in the beginning. That was a message to never give up to the bully. Just because those countries had a few terrorists or people who disagreed with the US, why should the entire country pay? Why should the innocent pay? Basicaly, it's a movie trying to tell us that the countries who the US go after need to stick up for one another and tell the US to mind its own business. By the US going around and telling other countries how to run (thinking they are helping) they aren't. They are just taking away the freedom of the people and needs to realise that no one can save that country except for the hope of those who live in that country and want to make it better. The image of the falling towers is to remind us that terrorism does exist and to never forget those who died. The same message that a few of the dead ask of their friends "never forget me.... please." It's a powerful movie about doing the right thing to the right people and not killing the innocent. It's not pro-terrorism, but pro-freedom and self control (Takuma Aoi having bad anger management and in the end he has to think about his reactions convey this message of actions have consequences.) It's a good movie and I don't think those who rate it low have realised this message. Dino T.
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PAST COLUMN TOPICS
Lables : 17 May 2005
Religion: A Way Of Life Or Life Itself? : 21 May 2005
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