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Could you kill your best friend?
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The late Kinji Fukasaku's controversial Battle Royale, inspired by Koshun Takami's novel, is set in the near future, a time when unemployment and increasing juvenile delinquency have led to a crisis. Following a government decree, the concept of the 'battle royale' is introduced. Teenage schoolchildren are transported to an island, outfitted with explosive collars that can be triggered from a distance, and given three days to eliminate each other, with the sole survivor given his or her freedom.
At first, the black comedy inherent in this bizarre film is grimly amusing, especially with Beat Takeshi playing Kitano, a chillingly cold-blooded cop. But after a while the endless slaughter numbs the mind and, ultimately, this is a trashy film which doesn't live up to the promise of an updated Lord of the Flies.
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Films on SBS TV
Thursday, 20th Jun
00:10
OSS 117: Lost In Rio
Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin stars as Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, aka OSS 117, the French spy considered by his superiors to be the best in the business. The year is 1967 - Hubert's been sent on a mission to Rio de Janeiro, to find a former high-ranking Nazi who went into exile in South America after the war. Nominated for two César Awards in 2010. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius and also stars Louise Monot and Alex Lutz. (From France, in French) (Comedy) (2009) (Rpt) M (S,N,V,L) CC
Friday, 21st Jun
23:10
Borderline
An erotic drama about a woman facing her 30th birthday who looks back at her life growing-up with her grandmother, crazy mother and her over-indulgence with men, sex and alcohol. Winner of Best Canadian First Feature Film at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Lyne Charlebois and stars Isabelle Blais, Angèle Coutu and Sylvie Drapeau. (From Canada, in French Canadian) (2008) (Rpt) MA (L,S,A,N)
23:55
Sympathy For Lady Vengeance
Beautiful Lee Guem-ja is finally out of jail after thirteen years imprisonment for the kidnap and murder of a six-year-old boy. She can now start to seek revenge on the man who was really responsible for the boy's death. But will her actions lead to the relief she seeks? Nominated for Best Asian Film at the 2006 Hong Kong Film Awards. Directed by Park Chan-wook and stars Lee Yeong-ae, Choi Min-sik and Tony Barry. (From South Korea, in Korean) (Drama) (2005) (Rpt) MAV (V,S)
Saturday, 22nd Jun
21:30
Kamui
Once a powerful ninja, Kamui decides to walk away from his violent ways and seek a peaceful life. His travels bring him to a seashore village where he meets Hanbei, a fisherman who shares the former ninja's sense of honour. They become good friends, and life at the seaside seems idyllic. But one day, a band of pirates arrive - It seems that Kamui's past life is catching up to him. Directed by Yoichi Sai and stars Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Koyuki and Kaoru Kobayashi. (From Japan, in Japanese) (Action/Adventure) (2009) MAV (V)
21:30
Three Dollars
David Wenham stars as Eddie, an honest, compassionate man who finds himself with a wife, a child, and only three dollars to his name. Eddie’s life is rich with the pleasures and pains of love, family, and friendship, but with only three dollars in his pocket, he is faced with a choice that could change the direction of his life forever. Winner of the 2005 AFI Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Directed by Robert Connolly, and also stars Frances O'Connor and Sarah Wynter. (From Australia) (Drama) (2005) (Rpt) M (S,V,L) CC
23:40
Me And You And Everyone We Know
A poetic and penetrating observation of how people struggle to connect with one another in an isolating and contemporary world. When Richard, a newly single shoe salesman, meets the lonely artist Christine, he panics, despite being captivated by her. Winner of four awards at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, including the Critics Week Grand Prize. Directed by and stars Miranda July. Also stars John Hawkes and Miles Thompson. (From the US) (Comedy) (2005) (Rpt) MA (A,S) CC
Sunday, 23rd Jun
21:55
Revanche
Ex-con Alex plans to flee the city with his girlfriend after a bank robbery. But something terrible happens during the heist and revenge seems inevitable. Nominated for the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and winner of the CICAE Award at Berlin in 2008. Directed by Götz Spielmann and stars Johannes Krisch, Irina Potapenko and Andreas Lust. (From Austria, in German) (Drama) (2008) (Rpt) MA (S,A,L,N)
23:15
Fateless
The hypnotic story of a 14-year-old Jewish boy sent to a concentration camp. Life becomes a harrowing adventure, with small moments of beauty in a most unexpected environment. Based on the autobiographical novel by Nobel Prize winner Imre Kertesz, and nominated for the 2005 Golden Bear at Berlin. Directed by Lajos Koltai and stars Marcell Nagy, János Bán and György Gazsó. (From Hungary, in Hungarian and German) (Drama) (2005) (Rpt) M (A,L) CC
Monday, 24th Jun
00:40
Shinobi: Heart Under Blade
Romeo and Juliet, ninja-style. The film revolves around two forbidden lovers caught in the crossfire of their warring clans in 17th century Japan. A unique blend of romance, high-octane action and martial arts. Directed by Ten Shimoyama and stars Yukie Nakama, Jo Katagiri and Tomoka Kurotani. (From Japan, in Japanese) (Action/Adventure) (2005) (Rpt) MAV (V)
Tuesday, 25th Jun
23:05
An Ordinary Execution
Having exiled all of the Jewish doctors from Russia, Joseph Stalin finds his health quickly fading. He turns to a bold young doctor who has a good reputation, and a long list of enemies. While treating the paranoid dictator, she is forced listen to his twisted philosophies and becomes caught in his web of oppression. Directed by Marc Dugain and stars André Dussollier, Marina Hands and Edouard Baer. (From France, in French) (Drama) (2010) M (A)
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SBS Film Guide to...
Australian Film Season: SBS ONE
Celebrate Australian filmmaking with this home-grown season. Starts May 25.
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Dirty Business, How Mining Made Australia (DVD)
Land, Money and Power… Dig deep into Australia’s epic history of mining.
Idina Menzel - Live: Barefoot at the Symphony (CD / DVD)
The Tony award-winner sings Broadway numbers and re-imagines modern tunes from Lady Gaga to Sting.
