While I’ve never seen BATTLE ROYALE, I will say that the concept sounds pretty f*cked up. I mean, what government in their right mind, to combat unemployment and juvenile delinquency, would take groups of teenagers, stick them on an island with weapons to blow each other away? As wierd as that sounds, it appears that director Takashi Miike (of ICHI THE KILLER and AUDITION fame) is in the process of filming something that mirrors BATTLE ROYALE’s use of kids.
Over at the Japan film news website Ryunganji, they’ve posted a translation of Miike’s blog, which drops some details on the film while being very bizarre at the same time:
Making movies with kids is fun.
Right now the set has been invaded by shiny new cells, and my tainted soul is cleansed every time we shoot a scene. I can’t go into detail here as the content is too provocative, but I’m sure that, just like the “Ina Bauer,” it won’t gain points but will be beautiful and moving, and will turn out to be a very freaky film.
“So what’re ya shooting?”
It’s a picture about a fierce battle between Aikawa Sho and a bunch of young boys. So, half the actors are kids.
“I’ve said this before but… is that really safe?”
This is a wholesomely violent movie. You can revel in excitement that doesn’t fit within established genres, and after watching it I would like people to discuss human suffering with their mates over a few sakes at their local izakaya.
Heh heh heh. Next year’s Japan Academy Awards are all mine.
“You fool. What do you know about the Japan Academy Awards?”
It’s Japan’s version of the Oscars, right? My Mum always told me I should take whatever’s on offer. They say all you have to do is turn up, and they feed you for free… I’ve had enough of packed lunches on set.
“Poppycock! It’s not the place for a B-grade director like you. Know your role!”
[Sigh]. I beg your pardon. You are correct. It’s not as if I could make a splendid film that could be lauded there, one that could be approved by Eirin without difficulty, not to mention draw an audience. Nevertheless, please allow this one request. At least, at the very least, a Blue Ribbon would be nice…
“Y-you’re taking the piss out of the Japanese film industry!”
Huh? …that’s odd. Was it obvious?
Um, right. I don’t know if it’s the translation, but this is too wierd. Almost as wierd as the man-juice title in ICHI. Stay tuned for more info as it comes (I hate these puns…).
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