

Battle Royale: Remastered (Battle Royale (Novel))
J**N
Loved the movie? You'll love the book.
I found the Battle Royale film back in 2006 on the internet due to the controvery surrounding it, giving it a legendary status akin to Miike's Audition, and adored it. Criticized as violent exploitation when first published in Japan, where it then proceeded to become a runaway bestseller and a MASSIVE and poignant culturally relevant success. Lots of vividly described gore and carnage throughout. Some detailed explanations include eyeballs popping, decapitations, holes shot in bodies, exposed brains or guts, and more. This book is not for the faint of heart.One of the most amazing things about Battle Royale is how the author manages to give his characters fairly fleshed-out lives, despite how many students there are. Most middle school students in real life have cliques and crushes, and these are no exception. (See the circled labels and dotted lines in the chart.) Despite the danger, they find their friends and their beloved. Readers know middle school love hardly survives, but the characters want to die without regrets. They feel compelled to confess their feelings, lose their virginity, or apologize to their friend before they become the next target.The dialogue is natural and hardly ever preachy. Some of the kids involved in politics wax poetic about the country and its failings. Most of them, though, are content to gossip about their crushes or other students. They talk about their families, hobbies, and pasts. They make plans for a future they may never see.Battle Royale is much more than “the first Hunger Games" or the book it ripped off. Its beautiful characterization of a huge cast is phenomenal. The teens are complex human beings, and both their lives and deaths reflect this. While the book is exceptionally gruesome, those deaths tell a story and give dignity to the young lives that just ended. Its pacing keeps readers on their toes, but never drags out too long and I think Battle Royale is a great "step up" for someone who enjoyed the premise of Hunger Games but wants something heavier and more grounded in reality for adults.Whether it be lessons on working together to forge off seemingly impossible situation, the dangers of being a political ideolog and sycophant or conveying the generational gap between adults and teenagers and how adults treat teenagers like idiot rebels without a cause, I was both surprised and pleased to walk away with a different point of view than I had upon beginning this eye opening work of fiction.
R**A
names in this book will be hard to keep track even if you seen the movie
if you could hit that 'like' button! Your support means the world to me, thanksits an enthralling rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout a rainy weekend. The inside covers of the book provide detailed maps that add an immersive element to the story, making the experience even more captivating.One of the unique challenges of the book is keeping track of the myriad of character names, especially for those who have seen the movie adaptation. However, this complexity adds a layer of depth to the narrative, allowing readers to delve into the intricate relationships and dynamics among the characters.The novel's length may seem daunting at first, but fear not – it's a perfect companion for a lazy, rainy weekend. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down. Takami masterfully weaves a tale that not only explores the physical battles in the infamous program but also delves into the intricate mental states of the characters. This provides a rich and nuanced understanding of their motivations, fears, and alliances.For those who enjoyed the movie, "Battle Royale" the book is a must-read. It goes into intricate details about the characters' actions, offering a profound exploration of the nuances that were merely hinted at in the film. Every twist and turn is magnificently laid out, creating an experience that is both thrilling and psychologically profound.In conclusion, "Battle Royale" is a literary gem that transcends the boundaries of its genre. It's a journey into the depths of human nature, filled with suspense, action, and a profound exploration of the human psyche. Dive in, and you won't be disappointed, trust my i bought this book twice
K**Y
Such a Good but Gory Read
This was an epic story. Yes, it's long but it needs to be because there was so much to cover. I took my time with it and never wanted to skim to "just get through it". With a cast of characters being so many it was amazing how so many characters had so much depth. If there any lull, then there will be a chaotic scene to follow. The only complaint was that many of the names were so similar, so I had to really focus on keeping track of what was going on. Literally, there was a scene with characters named Yuko, Yuka, and Yukie all in the same sentences. I loved this book and I highly recommend it! The setup is similar to "hunger games", but BR came out way before.
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