“Audition,” directed by Takashi Miike and released on November 2, 1999, is a psychological Horror film that explores the darker aspects of love and obsession. The plot centers around Shigeharu Aoyama, a middle-aged widower who is persuaded by his son to seek a new partner. To help with this, he organizes a fake audition for a movie, inviting several women to take part in hopes of finding a suitable girlfriend.
Audition - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
Movie: | Audition |
Genre: | Horror, Thriller |
Language: | Japanese |
Director: | Takashi Miike |
Main Cast: | Ryo Ishibashi as Shigeharu Aoyama - Eihi Shiina as Asami Yamazaki - Jun Kunimura as Yasuhisa Yoshikawa |
Release Date: | November 2, 1999 (Japan) |
Banner: | Omega Project, Creeping Vine Productions |
Music: | Not available |
Budget: | ¥2.8 million |
Runtime: | 1h 53m |
As the auditions unfold, he becomes enchanted by Asami Yamazaki, a young woman who appears gentle and shy but has a hidden past. As their relationship progresses, the story shifts dramatically, unveiling Asami’s disturbing behavior and the mental anguish lurking beneath her charming exterior.
“Audition” is recognized for its slow buildup of tension, moving from a romantic storyline to a chilling examination of manipulation and trauma. Miike’s skilled direction and the film’s shocking ending have established it as a cult favorite in Horror films. By mixing everyday life with surreal Horror, the film critiques gender roles and relationships, leaving audiences feeling uneasy and reflective even after it ends.