In a scene that synopsizes the ironic aesthetics of the film, Shuya shoots Kitano after he threatens to shoot Noriko. As he falls, Kitano shoots, revealing the gun to be a water gun. As he lies dead, his cell phone rings. He then picks it up and when he realizes it is his daughter, he angrily rebukes her before he dies once more. This may be a minor scene, but the preposterousness of it and the fact that it has nothing to do with the permeating violence and drama of the film is bound to make anyone who watches it laugh. The scene is a prominent example of the dark and absurd sense of humor the Japanese people have, in a style that frequently appears in Kitano films.
The film score of “Battle Royale” was composed, arranged, and conducted by Masamichi Amano, performed by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, and features several pieces of Western classical music along with Amano's original compositions. Music in the film is almost constant, as it is played over the PA system and heard all over the island. The use of classical music, however, serves another purpose. It sets the tone of the film, as it emphasizes the fact that the action is framed according to the wishes of the previous generation. In that fashion, it highlights the fact that the students are actually pawns in a sick game that exists solely for the entertainment of adults. Furthermore, it reminds the viewer that, despite the fact that the ones killing each other are students, the real villains are the adults, who have orchestrated this whole concept.
DP Katsumi Yanagishima tried to give the film a game show feel, although this game's focus is death. The remote island provided a great setting for this feel, both in the forest and in the various abandoned buildings, where the claustrophobic sentiment permeating the film seems to be at its strongest. However, he also focused on the beauty of the place, particularly through the vast grasslands that offer a number of impressive images. This aspect finds its apogee in an image of the lighthouse, where the sun is barely coming out of the cloudy weather, creating a truly impressive canvas, particularly through the meaningful shadows.
“Battle Royale” stands as a definite cult movie, from Takeshi Kitano's presence to the way it inspired Tarantino, to the violent portrayal of youth and sociopolitical criticism unfolds against a backdrop of dark humor and an evocative soundtrack. It also provides a a lasting testament to Fukasaku's artistry and cultural impact and an ideal swan song for one of the most significant filmmakers ever to come out of Japan.
