"Life is a game. So fight for survival... and discover whether you truly measure up." Lionsgate and Iconic Events have just unveiled a brand-new trailer to commemorate the 25th Anniversary re-release of the Japanese cult classic action-horror film, *Battle Royale*. Every genre cinema enthusiast knows about—and has likely seen—*Battle Royale* at some point since it first graced theaters in 2000 (though it never truly received a widespread US theatrical release, appearing only at film festivals back then). Now, it’s finally making a triumphant return to US theaters this fall, with screenings set for just a few nights on the big screen in October.
*Battle Royale* is a gripping and unrelenting tale of Japanese high school students thrust into a deadly government-mandated contest: three days to kill each other until only one remains. Blending incisive social commentary with high-octane action, *Battle Royale* continues to cast a long shadow over modern dystopian storytelling, inspiring countless television shows, video games, and films. In addition to the film itself (now presented in a crisp 4K restoration), screenings will feature a bonus interview with *Battle Royale* screenwriter Kenta Fukasaku, who reflects on his father’s illustrious career and the inspirations that shaped his final cinematic masterpiece.
The theatrical cut will be showcased in a stunning new 4K restoration, in Japanese with English subtitles. Starring the iconic Beat Takeshi alongside a vast ensemble of young actors, the film pits its characters against each other in a life-or-death struggle where only one can survive—and where the rules are nonexistent. Don’t miss your chance to experience this cinematic milestone on the big screen.
Presenting an alternate, dystopian vision of turn-of-the-millennium Japan, Kinji Fukasaku’s classic *Battle Royale* follows 42 junior high school students selected for the government’s annual Battle Royale program—an extreme solution to concerns over juvenile delinquency. Dispatched to a remote island, they are each armed with a unique weapon (ranging from Uzis and machetes to pan lids and binoculars), given food and water, and ordered to hunt each other down. Every participant wears an explosive collar around their neck, enforcing a strict three-day deadline for this deadly game, where only one survivor can emerge. Overseeing the chaos is “Beat” Takeshi Kitano, portraying a teacher pushed to the brink by his unruly students.
*Battle Royale*, also known as バトル・ロワイアル in Japanese, is directed by the legendary Japanese filmmaker Kinji Fukasaku, hot on the heels of his 1998 film *The Geisha House*—his final feature before his passing in 2003. The screenplay, penned by Kenta Fukasaku, is based on Koushun Takami’s 1999 novel of the same name. The film originally debuted in Japanese theaters in December 2000, playing to audiences worldwide throughout 2001. Now, Iconic Events is bringing *Battle Royale* back to theaters for a limited engagement—just three nights: October 12th, 13th, and 15th, 2025. Secure your tickets now. Who’s ready to join the fight?
