#4. Audition | 1999 | Japan
Rated R for violence/torture and sexuality
In Tokyo, Shigeharu Aoyama is a widower that grieves the loss of his wife and raises his son Shigehiko Aoyama alone. Seven years later, the teenage Shigehiko asks why his middle-aged father does not remarry and Shigeharu meets his friend Yasuhisa Yoshikawa, who is a film producer, and tells his intention.
However, Shigeharu has difficulties in approaching available women to date and Yasuhisa decides to organize a sham audition for casting the lead actress for a fake movie. They receive several portfolios of candidates and Shigeharu becomes obsessed by the gorgeous Asami Yamazaki. Despite the advice of the experienced Yasuhisa, Shigeharu calls Asami to date and he falls for her. But who is the mysterious Asami?
I covered Audition in one of my previous articles when I looked at five films from Japan. This film is just downright messed up. I felt so bad for Shigeharu during and after this movie, and some of the scenes you just feel like it’s happening to you. While not as graphic as some on this list, Audition still finds a way to shock and appall audiences. This is one of the best films by the infamous and legendary Takashi Miike who is known for violence, gore and twisted films.
Audition is one of my most recommended movies from Japan, as it is one of the best horror movies I have ever seen from the country, but it can also be highly disturbing so viewer discretion is strongly advised.
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