A beloved and influential Japanese film is getting a new life on the big screen. The 2000 dystopian action-horror classic Battle Royale is returning to theaters nationwide for a limited run, featuring a newly restored 4K edition.
The film, which was highly controversial and faced scrutiny for its graphic content upon its original release in Japan, did not reach U.S. theaters until 2011. Since then, it has earned cult status and a place in horror cinema history. It tells the story of a group of ninth-grade students forced by a totalitarian government to fight to the death on a deserted island. Its blend of high-stakes action and biting social commentary has influenced countless films, television shows, and video games in the years since its debut.
The 4K restoration is a treat for fans, and it’s a chance for new audiences to experience the film’s visceral intensity as it was meant to be seen. The special theatrical run will also include an interview with the original writer. The film holds a “Certified Fresh” rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino is a well-known fan of the film, having said he “wishes he had made the movie.”
You can catch Battle Royale in theaters on October 12th, 13th, and 15th.
