Why Ichi the Killer but not Battle Royale?

[Sam The Egg]

I've heard a lot of people say 'Battle Royale won't get released in the US after Columbine'. I can kind of understand that, but last November they released Ichi The Killer. Why does Ichi kill people?


SPOILERS


Because they're 'bullies' and he was (supposedly) bullied in school. Now, he's being manipulated, but it's still kind of his choice. In contrast, the kids in Battle Royale don't have a choice. Either they kill each other or everybody dies. So why one and not the other? The motive behind Ichi's actions are much closer to that of the Columbine shooters than that of the students in Battle Royale.

BTW, this board really needs spoiler tags