Having never read The Hunger Games I wasn’t aware how it shared at least some similarities with Battle Royale. But it clearly does. This is the trailer for the Blu-ray release.

People have pointed out the focus of the story is different, however, with The Hunger Games being more about the story surrounding the fights to the death, the politics, the background, while Battle Royale takes a different approach.

With Battle Royale being a Japanese film it focuses more on the fighting itself, the blood, gore, and violence. Same concept, different approach. Which is fair enough.

Despite this I’d recommend all those who like The Hunger Games get hold of a copy of Battle Royale. It’s a pretty damn awesome piece of cinema.