Following
his son's advice, widower Shigeharu Aoyama decides that it
is time to look for a new wife. By devising a plan to audition
for the part of a female lead in a non existent production,
he uses his professional position to track her down. Among
the many applicants, he is struck by the mysterious charms
of Asami, a quiet 24 year old, and asks her for a date...
Finding that Asami is responsive to his attentions, Aoyama
becomes convinced that she is the woman for him. But when
he asks her to accompany him on a romantic holiday things
take a dark and disturbing turn. Soon Aoyama will discover
that there is a side to Asami that he could never have imagined,
even in his most depraved nightmares.
Originally
one of Tartan's first Asia Extreme releases, Audition
has been re-released with improved picture quality and a gorgeous
DTS soundtrack.
This
was one of the first Asian films that I ever saw, and I have
to say that it is still one of the best. Miike Takashi weaves
a lovely little tale of a man coming to terms with the death
of his wife and trying to get on with his life. Of course
it all goes wrong, but with Miike at the helm, it goes wrong
in some of the strangest ways possible.
Whilst it is a very slow going piece, they are plenty of little
moments that will keep you interested until the fantastic
climax. The acting is superb, and you really do feel for Aoyama
as his world gets turned upside down and inside out.
This
is not a film for those with weak stomachs and almost certainly
will raise a few eyebrows. If you are lucky enough to have
seen this film, but don't own it, then you would be wise to
pick this up. But if you already own a copy of the original
release then I don't believe you can justify this as a purchase.
The
DTS sound and the good picture quality are all key selling
points for this re-release. But the fact that the only extra
on the DVD is a ten minute interview with the director, makes
you wonder why they are marketing this as a collector's edition.
Worthy,
but could have been worthier.
Simon
Lee
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