Home > Japanese Movies > Battlefield Baseball 地獄甲子園 Japanese Movie (w/Eng subs)
[J-Movie] Battlefield
Baseball 地獄甲子園 (2003)
Synopsis
Battlefield Baseball also known as Battlefield Stadium, is a Japanese film. Released in 2003, the film was
directed by Yudai Yamaguchi and written by Gatarô Man, based on his manga of the same title. It stars Tak
Sakaguchi, Atsushi Itō, and Hideo Sakaki. It was produced by Ryuhei Kitamura.
The film is a combination of several genres, mixing martial arts action with the clichés of the sports film -
particularly skewering baseball, one of Japan's most popular high school sports - and the violence and brutality of
a horror film. The film's bizarre - sometimes almost incoherent - plot, blood & gore, and unique comedy have
given it something of a "cult" popularity in the West.
Though the film is ostensibly about high school baseball rivalries, the amount of actual baseball in the film is
fairly light. There are many scenes involving bats and balls, however.
It's every high school baseball team's dream to go to the legendary Koshien Stadium Tournament. For the first time
in years, Seido High School has a chance—star player Gorrila Matsui has finally given the team an opportunity to
succeed. Most delighted at this prospect is Principal Kocho. His hopes are dashed, however, when the Head teacher
reveals to him that the first game will be played against the infamous Gedo High School.
Gedo is notorious for its brutal killings during games. They hardly play at all, instead engaging in a form of
martial arts combat called "fighting baseball". Their matches erupt into brutal battlefields, Gedo slaughtering its
opponents in any way possible, and the competing team vainly struggling for their lives. The Gedo team is almost
inhuman in its slaughter, their bizarre weapons and attire coupled with their green-grey skin only increase this
reputation. Understandably, Kocho is distressed—not only at the likely murder of his students, but at yet another
chance to win the Koshien Stadium Tournament having been lost.
Trailer
Title: Battlefield Baseball Also Known As: 地獄甲子園, Jigoku Kōshien, Hell Stadium Country: Japan Language: Japanese Subtitle: English Year: 2003 Genre: Comedy, Sports, Action Director: Yudai Yamaguchi
