4.5/5 stars

The film tells the story of Shigemori (played by Akihiko Shiota), a widower who works for a telecommunications company and is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his wife. His daughter, Shio (played by Mariko Okumura), decides to set him up on a blind date with a woman named Asami (played by Megumi Okina), who she met through her work. Shigemori is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to meet Asami, who impresses him with her beauty, kindness, and cooking skills.

However, as Shigemori and Asami's relationship progresses, it becomes clear that something is off. Asami seems perfect, but she has a strange and unsettling obsession with Shigemori, and her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and disturbing. Despite his growing unease, Shigemori finds himself drawn to Asami, and the two begin to form a twisted and toxic bond.

If you enjoyed "Audition," you may also enjoy other psychological horror films like "The Handmaiden" or "The Witch." Fans of Japanese horror may also enjoy other films by Takashi Miike, such as "Ichi the Killer" or "Visitor Q."

From a technical standpoint, "Audition" is a masterclass in building tension and unease. Miike's use of long takes and static shots creates a sense of unease and discomfort, and his composition of frames is often unsettling and unnerving. The film's score, which features a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack, adds to the overall sense of unease and tension.

The character of Asami is a particularly fascinating study. On the surface, she appears to be the perfect Japanese woman: beautiful, obedient, and domestic. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that she is a deeply disturbed individual, driven by a desire for control and a need for validation. Her obsession with Shigemori is not just about love or desire, but about a need to exert power and control over another human being.

The film's portrayal of Japanese society is also noteworthy. Miike's depiction of Tokyo's urban landscape is one of sterile, isolating modernity, where individuals are trapped in a sea of faces and unable to form genuine connections with others. The character of Shigemori, with his mundane office job and lack of social connections, is a symbol of this isolation, and his relationship with Asami serves as a catalyst for him to confront the emptiness of his own life.

One of the most striking aspects of "Audition" is its use of genre conventions to subvert audience expectations. On the surface, the film appears to be a straightforward horror film, with a creepy atmosphere and a sense of impending doom. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Miike is using these conventions to explore deeper themes. The film's use of gore and violence is not just for shock value, but to illustrate the ways in which societal pressure and expectation can lead to the suppression of individual desire and autonomy.

silhouette of the world, with areas that ISW covers in a darker navy

Audition

4.5/5 stars

The film tells the story of Shigemori (played by Akihiko Shiota), a widower who works for a telecommunications company and is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his wife. His daughter, Shio (played by Mariko Okumura), decides to set him up on a blind date with a woman named Asami (played by Megumi Okina), who she met through her work. Shigemori is hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to meet Asami, who impresses him with her beauty, kindness, and cooking skills.

However, as Shigemori and Asami's relationship progresses, it becomes clear that something is off. Asami seems perfect, but she has a strange and unsettling obsession with Shigemori, and her behavior becomes increasingly erratic and disturbing. Despite his growing unease, Shigemori finds himself drawn to Asami, and the two begin to form a twisted and toxic bond. Audition

If you enjoyed "Audition," you may also enjoy other psychological horror films like "The Handmaiden" or "The Witch." Fans of Japanese horror may also enjoy other films by Takashi Miike, such as "Ichi the Killer" or "Visitor Q."

From a technical standpoint, "Audition" is a masterclass in building tension and unease. Miike's use of long takes and static shots creates a sense of unease and discomfort, and his composition of frames is often unsettling and unnerving. The film's score, which features a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack, adds to the overall sense of unease and tension. If you enjoyed "Audition," you may also enjoy

The character of Asami is a particularly fascinating study. On the surface, she appears to be the perfect Japanese woman: beautiful, obedient, and domestic. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that she is a deeply disturbed individual, driven by a desire for control and a need for validation. Her obsession with Shigemori is not just about love or desire, but about a need to exert power and control over another human being.

The film's portrayal of Japanese society is also noteworthy. Miike's depiction of Tokyo's urban landscape is one of sterile, isolating modernity, where individuals are trapped in a sea of faces and unable to form genuine connections with others. The character of Shigemori, with his mundane office job and lack of social connections, is a symbol of this isolation, and his relationship with Asami serves as a catalyst for him to confront the emptiness of his own life. But as the film progresses

One of the most striking aspects of "Audition" is its use of genre conventions to subvert audience expectations. On the surface, the film appears to be a straightforward horror film, with a creepy atmosphere and a sense of impending doom. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Miike is using these conventions to explore deeper themes. The film's use of gore and violence is not just for shock value, but to illustrate the ways in which societal pressure and expectation can lead to the suppression of individual desire and autonomy.