Battle Royale Remake

[Happenstance]

New Line Cinema has bought the remake rights to the controversial Japanese sci-fi film Battle Royale and set up the project with Neal Moritz and Roy Lee, reports Variety.

The original film, produced by Toie and released in 2000 amid concerns about its violence, is set in an apocalyptic future in which schools are overrun by uncontrolled violence; the government responds by organizing an annual Battle Royale, in which a school class is picked at random and students are pitted against each other on an abandoned island in a game of survival.

Toie also produced a sequel in 2003, Battle Royale II -- Requiem, in which a new class of teen students are forced to battle a rebel group let by a survivor of a previous Battle Royale.


Taken From Coming Soon


Now usually I dont think much of making remakes but I have to admit im interested in seeing how this one turns out as the original Battle Royale was brilliant.

[Sooj]

Any news of when its going to be released, roughly?

[Monopolyman]

I just heard.

Apparantly, It's going to be called 'Final Exam'

[Mike]

I watched Battle Royale for the first time a couple of months ago and really liked it. I'm interested in seeing how this remake turns out..

[Happenstance]

Any news of when its going to be released, roughly?

Nope, theyve only bought the rights. Not started work on it yet.

[Fierce_LiNk]

I just don't understand why they are remaking it. The film is 6 years old. If it was 20 years old, then maybe they could justify it.
This reminds me of The Ring, which came out a measly 4 years after Ringu. Anyone else feel the same as me?

[er-no]

Bullshite.

You can't remake Battle Royale without Kinju directing it, it was his project that was pulled of amazingly (the original).

To even try and remake it is like.. well... its just utterly gay.

[Shenlong]

I just don't understand why they are remaking it. The film is 6 years old. If it was 20 years old, then maybe they could justify it.
This reminds me of The Ring, which came out a measly 4 years after Ringu. Anyone else feel the same as me?

QFT, when i read the thread title i was just like it's not that old a film to actually be remade. Or when they say remade do they mean remade to be put out in cinemas in the US and UK? I'm never really saw BR in cinema listings around here, so forgive the naivety.

[Athriller]

Bullshite.

You can't remake Battle Royale without Kinju directing it, it was his project that was pulled of amazingly (the original).

To even try and remake it is like.. well... its just utterly gay.

This kind of attitude is pure chauvinism. I think it's brilliant we get another take at the film. It's not like it's going to taint the original.

I hope they do a good job of it. A lot of it will rely on the cast.

[Shino]

I just think the film will make even less sense with american kid's, the japanese are more suited to this kind of dramatic violence.

[er-no]

This kind of attitude is pure chauvinism. I think it's brilliant we get another take at the film. It's not like it's going to taint the original.

I hope they do a good job of it. A lot of it will rely on the cast.

You're talking rubbish. It's not even been ten years since the original was made, it is a complete injustice and disrespect to Kinju (who died in 2003) who spent years working on BR:Act1. This is another example of a desperate film motion and the continuing tradition of remakes from the U.S. They are too funking scared to try and make anything new.

And another take on the film? What kind of other take would you want? The original is perfect as its completely related to the controversial book.

[Pyxis]

I think all these remakes are racist. Nuff said really.... The Ring, Grudge and Battle Royale should all stay as Japanese films. Americans/Europeans dont want to see Asian films because they dont want to see Asians performing in them. If that's not racist, then I dont know what is.

BTW, anybody seen the south korean war film called brotherhood? Best film ever made!

[Hem]

Another one to add to the list then of popular Eastern films being remade by America.

[The3rdChildren]

Ben Stiller should be the main character. Shuya or something like that?

[Meik]

Americans/Europeans dont want to see Asian films because they dont want to see Asians performing in them.I figured it was to do with the fact that quite a lot of people can't be arsed with reading subtitles, or are turned off by the idea of them.

Anyway, I liked the original, I like the idea of a Hollywood remake. I don't really care about respect to directors or ruining someone's perfect vision, to be honest.

[Shino]

BTW, anybody seen the south korean war film called brotherhood? Best film ever made!

Is that the one about the corean soldiers at the frontier? I heard of it a long time ago but never got to see it, is it any good?

[Athriller]

You're talking rubbish. It's not even been ten years since the original was made, it is a complete injustice and disrespect to Kinju (who died in 2003) who spent years working on BR:Act1.


What? How is that in anyway disrespectful? It's not like their shitting on his grave. If anything, the imitation is a sincere form of flattery.

And it hasn't been 10 years? Cry me a river. There are plenty of audiences, especially in the west, who have not witnessed, or even heard of Battle Royale. They're missing out, and it's a great way to get it to them.

And another take on the film? What kind of other take would you want? The original is perfect as its completely related to the controversial book.

I'd like to see how it would ploy it with a Western cast, and a more close to home atmosphere. And the original completely related to the book? Not quite. There are plenty of differences.

[gaggle64]

A remake of the original Battle Royale? I think I am going to be sick. The original is a cult classic, and now some cheap, brainless hollywood hack reckons he can make a cheap buck by bastardising a truly classic film. Again. You can smell the shit a mile off.

[Pyxis]

"Is that the one about the corean soldiers at the frontier? I heard of it a long time ago but never got to see it, is it any good?"

It's amazing!! It's the most expensive Korean film ever made and the war scenes are better than any game/film i've seen before! The fighting is like WW1 and WW2 rolled into one. The story is also brilliant and is about communities and families getting divided by communism... The story focuses on two brothers who are forced to fight against the communists and they soon get divided due to their changing ideologies.

The official trailer can be found here:

http://www.themoviebox.net/movies/2004/STUVWXYZ/TaeGukGi/trailer.html

I did my best not to cry during the film!b-) I bought the DVD at random and its my favourite film of all time now..

[Dan Dare]

Oh, God. This is the worst news since they announced the remake of Infernal Affairs...

[KKOB]

ooooh nooooooooooooooo!!!

first the ripp off J horror now theyre going after all the eastern extreme cinema!!!

i hope some really nasty celebs are in it like paris hilton gettin decapitated or lindsey lohan getting ripped apart some how mwahahahahaaaaaa

other than that it'll prob be pants-but if its succesfull they'll make a BR2 completly different to the Jap one- so they'll just do another BR but with new people.

meh hollywood is soo crap sometimes

not juicey! :(

[Ramar]

A remake of the original Battle Royale? I think I am going to be sick. The original is a cult classic, and now some cheap, brainless hollywood hack reckons he can make a cheap buck by bastardising a truly classic film. Again. You can smell the shit a mile off.

That is dead on what I was thinking.

[somme]

I think all these remakes are racist. Nuff said really.... The Ring, Grudge and Battle Royale should all stay as Japanese films. Americans/Europeans dont want to see Asian films because they dont want to see Asians performing in them. If that's not racist, then I dont know what is.

BTW, anybody seen the south korean war film called brotherhood? Best film ever made!

Well that's just stupid. It's not got anything to do with racism that people don't want to watch the original.

For one it's a cult classic which mean it has a cult following. Not a large amount of westerners have seen it, through the simple fact it's not been very well publicised.

I was talking to an American the other day and said I hope to God they don't remake it, unfortunately I didn't touch wood.

It'll be shit plain and simple, simply because very few American writers/directors have the balls to do anything extreme or different.

[Smalldude76]

Surprising that they're doing this. Apparently Battle Royale is illegal to sell in both Canada and the US.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Surprising that they're doing this. Apparently Battle Royale is illegal to sell in both Canada and the US.

Why? Because of the violence?

[Dieter]

I think all these remakes are racist. Nuff said really....

What an idiotic thing to say.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism


OT: If it's shit, well...shit.

[Flaight]

I think the decision to remake is mostly financial. It's an easy money (sort of).

But, I also tend to dislike remakes, just because the "new" audience tend to miss the point of the original. To me, jap movies are unique in their ability to inject superficial bizarreness into a mould of sentimentalism and humanity. Artistic subtlety seems to bridge that impossible gap.

Hollywood caters more for Attention Deficit Disorder type, where everything is fast moving and everything has to make crystal clear sense at the end. That's what people demand, and so Hollywood gives the supply. They do the same with remakes. In doing so, they cut up the deeper layers and instead amplify what's on the surface. It's that McDonald'ization that concerns me.

I can see that is also fun at times, but I also find it superficial and loses the intricate artistic expression that existed in the original. When Ring remake came out, the cyberspace debated on which was better. Many people commented that remake is better because the original is so unclear and slow moving. Remake was more exciting, vivid and well explained. Some went as far as to say the "original sux". See what I mean?

To me the most beautiful art is that dark corner I don't get to see. It is the point of analysis and fascination about jap movies. Hollywood will remove those bits.

[reaper673]

This news has only encouraged me to go out and buy that DVD now.

Such a classic, did Kinju direct BR2? I havent seen that one, mainly because its nowhere to be found near by, but if he did I may as well trawl ebay for a copy of it.

[er-no]

This news has only encouraged me to go out and buy that DVD now.

Such a classic, did Kinju direct BR2? I havent seen that one, mainly because its nowhere to be found near by, but if he did I may as well trawl ebay for a copy of it.

He directed the first 25 or so good minutes of the final cut. Then sadly he died and his son took over the filming (and ironically, that was when the film got over the top and well.. quite bad).

Still worthy of a buy, the special features on the DVD version I have are great, Kinju throwing chairs around in the auditions. :D

[Ashley]

Who wrote the script for the second one? Because at the end of the day, directing is superficial :p

[Dan Dare]

Have to say I disagree with you there Ash. A good director makes the style of the film his own.

but on the subject of BR2: I fucking hate that movie. not just because it's poor, which it is, but because the first is an emotionally charged, haunting movie that just so happens to be incredibly violent. the seccond is just incredibly violent popcorn crap.

hey, maybe they should just remake that one for the states..

[Athriller]

No director's even been announced but I guess it's official on this forum that all Hollywood want to do is remove all the art and emotion and make it stupid because Americans are dumbbmbm and slap in big boobs yeaaahaaha :bouncy:

[darkcloud]

This is going to be awesome! XD Pure comedy will be on display for any Battle Royale fans! XD

Just think about it.... Try to replace them characters with an American highschool stereotype and think of the hilarity! XD

I'm going to enjoy this film so much.... Not for the same reason as the original obviously, but, yeah it will be great fun to watch...

However if anyone goes into it expecting the same thing as the original gave you might as well not go cause it won't happen..... There are certain archetypes in that film (well Japanese media in general) that just don't exist in america..... The equivelents as I said will be funny though. ^^d

[Athriller]

It's simply far too early to be calling doom and gloom.

Look at A Fistful of Dollars. A masterpiece that was a western remake of another legendry Japanese film. Heck, I'd go as far as to say that the Western was better, if not only for Clint Eastwood.

Infernal Affairs is being remade by Scorcese, and stars DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Martin Sheen and Jack Nicholson. I just can't see this sucking.

Battle Royale will probably suck if the guy from the Fast and Furious involved, but don't cast ye stones just yet.

[Ramar]

Just think about it.... Try to replace them characters with an American highschool stereotype and think of the hilarity!

Oh god, I just imagined something horrid. You're going to have those horrible stereotypical hollywood teen americans in it. You'll have the typical 'jock' sport guys, the "miss teen america" who won't want to get her dress dirty. The tough 'normal' girl who fancies the boy friend of the popular girl, then the typical funny fat guy, and some nerdy guy who has a secret crush on some girl but won't tell her.

If this isn't crap, then I'll be amazed.

[Ginger_Chris]

Its a shame its been remade in america. I think a british remake in the style of 'Dog Soldiers' would be much better. Plus Englsh teen actors don't tend to "act" as much, and come across on screen so much more believably as teenagers, rather than 25 year olds pretending to be generic sterotypical kids.

[somme]

The only good thng about the Americans remaking it is that we'll get to see stereotypical american teens murdered! haha!

[gaggle64]

Probably some blond cheese dick from the Holywood school of child actors and the balck occult. With a bit of luck, the whole cast, crew and every single copy of the script will simultaneously faint and slip over the edge of a very tall cliff. I truly, very seriously can't even begin to grasp the concept of this film ever being any good. There's no way they can improve the original anyway.

[darkcloud]

It's simply far too early to be calling doom and gloom.

Look at A Fistful of Dollars. A masterpiece that was a western remake of another legendry Japanese film. Heck, I'd go as far as to say that the Western was better, if not only for Clint Eastwood.

Infernal Affairs is being remade by Scorcese, and stars DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Martin Sheen and Jack Nicholson. I just can't see this sucking.

Battle Royale will probably suck if the guy from the Fast and Furious involved, but don't cast ye stones just yet.


Battle Royale won't contain such actors as they are all.... ermm.... Old. These are going to be teenage actors so yeah I expect nothing from them.....

A couple of people are catching on to why I think it's gunna be funny, but, I don't think they are finding it amusing themself... *shrug* lol

From this...........

http://www.dream-angels.net/sl/01/ref01.jpg

......to this.....

http://www.tribute.ca/tribute_objects/images/movies/not_another_teen_movie/notanotherteenmovie7.jpg


XD

[Ashley]

Have to say I disagree with you there Ash. A good director makes the style of the film his own.

But the direction is the outer beauty, it looks ncie and its often whats used to advertise it. But the heart of any good film is in the script. Granted, a good script can't improve bad direction, and good direction can't improve a bad script but I hate this idea that a director <em>makes</em> the film. Its the Tarantino-effect.

[gaggle64]

The script, the acting, the artsitic direction - the director is in charge of all of that. He has the power to rewrite the script, the responsibility to guide the actors and is intimately involved with every shot through until the end of editing and post-production. the director isn't the only cog, but is the core of a film productuion.

[Domstercool]

A director can have a huge impact though, just check out Takeshi Miike films.

[Fierce_LiNk]

It's more or less a similar argument as to what makes a good videogame. Story, Graphics, Sound, gameplay, etc. There's no set answer, as we'll always come across a game which we consider to be great that may lack on these 'vital elements'. Naturally, we may like a film that may not necessarily have a great script, or the direction may not be top notch material.

[Mundi]

A remake after a Japanese film how original.... :indeed:

[Ashley]

The script, the acting, the artsitic direction - the director is in charge of all of that. He has the power to rewrite the script, the responsibility to guide the actors and is intimately involved with every shot through until the end of editing and post-production. the director isn't the only cog, but is the core of a film productuion.

But why do they have this much power? Thats what I find wrong. How they are the be-all-and-end-all and it seems to get to some people's heads. Some directors have royally fucked up a film because they think they know whats best. I think the film industry should adopt the American show-runner scheme.

[gaggle64]

But why do they have this much power? Thats what I find wrong. How they are the be-all-and-end-all and it seems to get to some people's heads. Some directors have royally fucked up a film because they think they know whats best. I think the film industry should adopt the American show-runner scheme.
It's part of the similarity film shares with theatre procution. Think of it like a car - you could have the best engine, chassis and wheels avialable, but wether it wins a race is still down to the driver.

[MunKy]

This is gonna suck. How can you remake a film that was perfectly brutal and emotional without screwing up? Especially if your Hollywood!. Ah well, shit happens, just seems that more of it is happening.

[Mokong X-C]

i just come back from a working-holiday thing so i just seen this thread and just skimed through the first page.

I can't believe this is goning to happen, i would have thought of all the Japanese films that BR wouldn't be remade *cough*ripped-off*cough* by hollywood, i figured its content would be a bit too much for them to want to go near.

Why do hollywood insist on taking asian films and making substandard versions with (poor) american actors.

The orginals are brilliant if they want more people to see them then just put the orginal asian versions in the cinema and give them a proper marketing campagine they deserve.

All this crap about how western audiances won't watch films with asian actors or with subs is bull S***, i've had loads of friends who said they wouldn't watch a film in subs but when i finally get them to give one a try (usualy BR) they love it and want more

[Ashley]

The thing is, hollywood pays directors for their vision, its like peter jackson, he was involved in a shit load of lord of the rings, everything that was done had to be approved by him, and it worked well, sometimes it just doesnt work well. thats the way certain things go i guess.

Which in itself is a sad state of affairs. At the end of the day films are all about the looks; the flash, the effects, the T&A when it should be about the storyline. Bah, just the rants of a bitter scriptwriter (wannabe).

[Ashley]

And theres me wanting to be a director.

The way directing goes for me, its exactly like being a captain of a team or a commander of something, u guide certain people, and get what u need. with the screenplay, i am not really inclined to rewrite certain parts, because i dont write screenplays.

Well thats the thing, some directors seem to take credit for everything. At the end of the day we don't know how much of a particular script is the original writer's and how much is the director's rewrites. Plus it depends upon the genre. An action film, sure that relies upon the mindless prettiness, whereas a comedy relies upon the script.

[mariosmentor]

Oldboy is getting the same treatment. People should leave asian films alone because its quite depressing to see it fire off to hollywood and break box offices around the world whereas the most likely better original doesn't seem to make an impact anywhere except its respective region. Hollywood will do anything to rip off something succesful, who's seen JSA(joint security area) that was about soldier relations on the border of north and south korea? Well thats being remade for america to deal with the fucking MEXICAN border and is to involve immigration...wtf? why not just rename you're movie after such a script overhaul?
Well, the lowdown is that people will see these movies and believe that they are in fact original ideas from hollywood, i believe if something is to be ripped off then at least leave credit to them in the feature as little as "Based on the original..." that would make me a little bit happier but until they leave films to the proffesionals and the thieves go back to robbing supermarkets then i'm still going to be a pretty sad panda.

[gaggle64]

Thing is with the battle Royale Remake (and the Oldboy - please God no), it can't hope to be anything other then a watered-down version of the original, which is banned in the US cause of it's violence. Listen very carefully, and you can almost hear a group LA-based excutives discussing how to slip it in as 15-rated release, and keep it under an hour & 20 in order to maxamise its appeal to their "target demograph". Kiss goodbye to most of the story, most of the character relationships, most of violence and with it just about everything that makes Battle Royale a good film.

[Ashley]

A lot of hollywood films are influenced from studios ive noticed. Comedies do rely on scripts, but some jokes are suggested by actors, especially on TV shows, Tv shows do improvise with scripts and such. IMO, directors should really focus on the vision, and getting what they need out of their actors, thats my opinion however.

Depends on the TV shows. Arrested Development insists on not improvising the lines, but stage directions are rarely (if ever) given so thats up to the actors. Which I think helps due to its docu-style. I know Buffy/Angel/Firefly never (or at least very very very rarely) improvised due to the actor's respecting the written material. Then some improvise as they see fit.