sorry, been a lil busy...
what do I like about BR's storyline? it's hard to say...but I really like how the whole story unfolds, sorta like Tarantino films in my opinion. one second the situation is all serious, then there'll be a funny moment, then it throws you back into a serious scene again; simply messing with people's minds - as Tarantino said about his style of writing. I also like the fact that the movie holds nothing back. when it's bloody, it's damn bloody and when it's dramatic, it's 'young and the restless' dramatic. while I could talk all day about how much I loved the plot, characters, different scenes, etc., but basically I liked everything about the movie.
I haven't seen BR II yet, the movie came out last year in Japan I think. the buzz is that a UK release(important since it has better translations, readable menus, etc.) DVD won't come out till this november. a hong kong release DVD with english subtitles should be out real soon. the girl who won the first battle royale(one who's holding the doll at the start) is in the sequel, but she's on the good side(with Shuya).
the plot of BR II as I've heard is that Shuya and Noriko form(or join) a rebel terrorist group called the Wild Seven, which is led by Mimura's uncle. after bombing an embassy, the government decides to send a whole group of kids(who you see in the second link you gave me) to kill the members of Wild Seven. I've heard mixed opinions about this one...I'll just have too see it for myself.
I've seen a few different pictures of people dressing up like BR characters and I'm quite amazed at how good their costumes are.
so, what did you think of the movie?