AUDITION (1999): Miike’s Misunderstood Masterpiece

Takashi Miike became one of the most important directors in Japanese cinema during his meteoric rise in the 1990s. With films like SHINJUKU TRIAD SOCIETY (1995), THE BIRD PEOPLE IN CHINA (1998), and RAINY DOG (1997) under his belt, the first ten years of Miike’s career were notable. But they were just the beginning! At the close of the decade came one of Takashi Miike’s most impactful years on record. 1999 saw the release of LEY LINES (1999), DEAD OR ALIVE (1999), and AUDITION (1999). Most of the films listed here played a role in Takashi Miike’s name spreading worldwide, but the final one was arguably the most important and impactful. Today we’re examining the context and one potential take on this modern classic of not just Japanese film, but Horror and Romance. Let us know below what you think of Miike’s misunderstood masterpiece, AUDITION. --- Purchase the film here: For the UK: