Konkatsu Battle Royal (2010): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2010, Konkatsu Battle Royal is a drama film directed by Mikio Hirota, running about 72 minutes.

What it’s about. In 2015, the Japanese economy has collapsed due to global recession. While unemployment rates are over 35 percent, 150,000 people commit suicide every year. In such conditions, a TV program, 24-hour Marriage Battle Royale, skyrockets to unprecedented fame and popularity, where people are set on fire on camera. It’s the ultimate in extreme programming, an ordeal of marriage hunting where women in debt play games to marry famed celebrities abroad, with the losers facing humiliation and could be death. Hana Shinjo, a has-been idol, makes a desperate stab at a new life by applying to the show as a contestant. When accepted, she finds herself pitted against a single mother, a former business owner, a club hostess, a rogue, a high-school girl, and an assorted mob of heartless, cold-blooded women. A frenzied battle for life itself now begins.

Who’s in it. Konkatsu Battle Royal stars Shōko Hamada, Megumi Hatachiya, Rika Kawamura and Eri Konno, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Konkatsu Battle Royal has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Konkatsu Battle Royal page.

If you liked it. Fans of Konkatsu Battle Royal tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.