[soliloquy id=”499″]
Audition is a film that’s always in the “most disturbing” category, but yet, I really do not feel it deserves this honor. It’s one of those films which would get a much lower ratings if it was in English. Because it’s Japanese, its ‘dark’, ‘challenging’, ‘disturbing’ and ‘meaningful’ like many reviewers say. I don’t personally think it is any of these things.
The film starts out well, with good ideas and the acting is very well done b u t – i t- j u s t – d r a g s – o n.
Shigeharu, played by Ryo Ishibashi (The Grudge), is a widower who starts to think of love again thanks to his son. Through the help of a friend he meets the soft spoken, shy and intriguing Asami (Eihi Shiina- Tokyo Gore Police), which you soon realize has had a very difficult life and is a bit of odd one due to this, despite her quiet manner trying to fool you.
Half way through the film you could be forgiven for thinking that it’s a romantic drama. I do like the subtle clues the film gives as it moves towards what you expect to be a disturbing finale. Well, I was disappointed. When things finally start to happen, it’s over.
The constant repetition of Kiri Kiri Kiri Kiri Kiri Kiri is annoying and Audition really isn’t as hardcore as I had been led to believe. My favorite part of the film is the bag man and seeing the after effects of Asami’s work.
Besides a couple of good short lived scenes, there’s nothing that has really stayed with me as something new.
At best, Audition is a good psychological thriller for me, but if Japanese horror films are your thing, it’s definitely worth checking out.
WICKED RATING: 5.5/10 [usr 5.5]
Title: Audition
Director: Takashi Mike
Writer(s): Ryu Murakami, Daisuke Tengan
Stars: Ryo Isibashi, Ehi Shiina, Tetsu Sawaki
Year: 1999
Studio / Production Co: Basara Pictures, Creators Company Connection, Omega Project
Budget: Unknown
Language: Japanese
Length: 115mins
Sub-Genre: Torture, Japanese Horror
