Audition

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Audition

1999

1h 55m

Horror

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Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

81 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

This disturbing Japanese thriller follows Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), a widower who decides to start dating again. Aided by a film-producer friend (Miyuki Matsuda), Aoyama uses auditions for a fake production to function as a dating service. When Aoyama becomes intrigued by the withdrawn, gorgeous Asami (Eihi Shiina), they begin a relationship. However, he begins to realize that Asami isn't as reserved as she appears to be, leading to gradually increased tension and a harrowing climax.

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Critics Consensus

An audacious, unsettling Japanese horror film from director Takashi Miike, Audition entertains as both a grisly shocker and a psychological drama.

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Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

The film is a brutal examination of social isolation and malaise, and the gulf that often exists between men and women.

Rated: 4/4

Jul 1, 2019

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

A stomach-turning masterpiece.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 10, 2015

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Jim Sullivan

Boston Globe

This movie, at just under two hours, is a long crawl from inception to climax.

Rated: 2/4

Nov 30, 2001

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Stephanie Archer

Film Inquiry

Audition is a slow burner of a horror, an almost perfect example of a frog in boiling water.

Nov 2, 2023

Full Review

Carolyn Hinds

JoySauce.com

A film I’ve seen once and I’m not sure I’ll ever see again because it’s so effectively disturbing, which is exactly what you want with a horror film. I’ve never looked at piano wire the same way again.

Nov 9, 2022

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

What begins as a gentle romance based on a lie turns into a disturbed and disturbing psycho-horror nightmare that rockets into the Twilight Zone of obsession, sadism, and mutilation.

Oct 29, 2022

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Audience Member

Miike is surprisingly a sentimental filmmaker. One who can't hide his fetishistic violence laden voyeurism. Is it an important film to see, as far as pushing the limits of cinema and movie goers patience goes? Yes. But it is quite a slow build until it gets to the nightmarish climax. It humanizes the psychotic, while exploring the humanity in desires. If only Miike could somewhat temper his impulses, I think he would've been an even more incredible filmmaker. Nonetheless, you can't help but respect his craftsmanship in putting together tales like these.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/24/25

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Ian H

Well constructed, acted film. Loses its way a bit towards the end but some genuinely shocking moments

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

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Leprechaun K

This horror thriller is simply nuts and not for the faint of hearts. Makes Fatal Attraction look like Snow White. Arguably Miike's best work.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

Full Review

Emilliano Jr S

An ok Japanese horror. It may not be iconic as the other popular Japanese horror; it has its own distinction for its outstanding slow burn.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

Full Review

Tyler B

Tick, tick, tick. I wish to remember dating options like this.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/25

Full Review

chucky.editzz 6

This movie is amazing! Like a thriller romance horror movie! Love it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/08/24

Full Review

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Takashi Miike

Director

Ryo Ishibashi

Shigeharu Aoyama

Eihi Shiina

Asami Yamazaki

Jun Kunimura

Yasuhisa Yoshikawa

Miyuki Matsuda

Ryoko Aoyama

Ren Ôsugi

Shibata

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Synopsis

This disturbing Japanese thriller follows Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), a widower who decides to start dating again. Aided by a film-producer friend (Miyuki Matsuda), Aoyama uses auditions for a fake production to function as a dating service. When Aoyama becomes intrigued by the withdrawn, gorgeous Asami (Eihi Shiina), they begin a relationship. However, he begins to realize that Asami isn't as reserved as she appears to be, leading to gradually increased tension and a harrowing climax.

Director: Takashi Miike
Producer: Satoshi Fukushima, Akemi Suyama
Screenwriter: Daisuke Tengan, Ryu Murakami
Production Co: Omega Project
Genre: Horror
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 19, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $110.8K
Runtime: 1h 55m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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