Battle Royale
An anti-fascist mantra: children, without any say in the matter, are forced to fight for survival in a competitive hellscape where there are those who are doomed to lose, those who choose to maintain their kindness, and those who get off on the thrill of it all. Really drives home the message that the lives of children are each worth something more than simply being just another cog in the wheel — they’re all individuals with hopes, dreams, personalities, motivations, and love interests. You actually get to experience the emotional arcs of most characters, even if it’s only for a short period of time. A perfect film in every way.