Audition [Blu-ray]

The disc was in perfect working order. The case was a little tatty on the bottom corner of the spine but it is made from cardboard; that's expected over time.

Audition stands out in the public eye for its shocking cruelty in the final act and rightly so - what happens to our kindly hero at the hands of the girl he so fell in love with is gruesome indeed. And yet, this is put into image rather more tactfully and suggestive than one would expect - which is a good thing. There are films far more brutal out there (which I try to avoid).On the other hand, the last act being so notorious it eclipses the fact that the film as a whole isn't very satisfying. Yes, the method of wanting to get to know pretty girls by way of auditioning for a film is certainly iffy, but the protagonist is portrayed as sincere. The girl is another matter. We get flashes of the horrors she's had to endure when quite young which makes her a victim indeed, but for me the psychology of her behaviour doesn't make sense to me. Does she wish to avoid/destroy all men because of what's happened to her? This would makes sense. But she's portrayed as a psychopatic murderer, a black widow luring her victim in, while an earlier victim like a fly in a web is literally feet away from her and this I do not understand. Another anomaly: she's apparently clever, but it would've been easy to get her victim somewhere safe instead of his own home where his son can come to the timely rescue.I was lured in myself by the film's must-see reputation but this reputation I fear is overblown. It may have been unique and shocking at the time but with hindsight it's a mediocre film at best.

Takashi Miike`s infamous shocker from 1999.Although this is a gristly, thoroughly nasty horror film it has (as is the case with many considered and notable films in the genre) a much deeper social message – particularly regarding the way Japanese society treats women.Adapted from Ryū Murakami`s novel, it's a relatively slow-moving film, ostensibly a romantic mystery for the first two chapters; with the help of a film-industry friend, Aoyama - a middle-aged widower - sets up fake film auditions in order to meet a potential wife; that this is regarded as an acceptable idea by both men is some indication of the nature of Japan`s male-dominated culture.That Asami, the unassuming 24-year-old whom he meets, turns the tables on him - and in such an unexpected way – is a seriously radical act - never mind the obvious shock factor of it`s violence.This movie has been cited as the inspiration for the “torture porn” sub-genre of horror films – particularly from America, but it's cultural setting makes it much more powerful in context.A difficult film to sit through and a genuinely disturbing one on first-time viewing; it is quite rightly regarded as a modern horror classic, but not one I care to watch very often.The standard UK DVD is - of course – in Japanese language with English subtitles; the only extras are a short interview with Miike and a couple of trailer reels.

This film is a slow-build from the *normality* of a middle-aged widower seeking a young girlfriend, to the horrific revenge that the lucky girl takes as a result of the abuse she has suffered throughout her life.Some critics have described this as a feminist film. Others feel it is misogynistic. I'd say it is most definitely the former. It recognises the apparent docility and submissiveness of many women as a necessary concession to certain cultural expectations of 'feminine' behaviour. It reminds the viewer of the rage and assertion that can exist below the mildest and most reserved of personas.The film also challenges our perception of whether the 'horror' section of the story actually happened or if it was all in the mind of the protagonist - whose awakening sense of guilt at how he has treated women in the past seems to rise up and haunt him.The reason I've given four instead of five stars is simply that I feel the initial part of the film - building towards the auditions - is a little overlong. The film could have benefitted from some editing here.

The film starts at a sedate but intriguing pace, setting the scene in a logical and extremely thorough manner...Basically a film director, whose wife tragically died a while back, auditions 30 girls to be his future wife, although they are under the impression that it is for a legitimate acting role.One girl seems to impress the director; her name is Asami. At first she seems well mannered, subserviant and mild.As the film unfolds, we get an insight into her dark past, full of abuse and mental anguish.The film then takes a turn into a world, where dreams merge into reality and at some points it is difficult to tell which category the main character (the film director) is engaged in. This method of film collage gives the film a unique visual power, similar to that found in the Ring. The camera work, lighting and angles build a suspense that no hollywood movie can get close to.The final 30 mins reveal some of the most terrifying moments in film history. I will give nothing away, just watch it for yourself...This is undoubtedly the scariest horror film I have ever seen and is most definitely on a par with the japanese "Ring" triology. At moments I was going to switch it off and I am a hard-core horror enthusiast. "The Exorcist" seems like a walk in the park compared to this. My girlfriend was almost sick due to some of the scenes at the end!Pleased watch!