Audition

Audition

Year: 2001

Runtime: 115 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Takashi Miike

DramaMysteryThrillerHorrorRomance

A widower looking for love enlists a friend, a film producer, to help him find a new partner through a fake audition process. He becomes captivated by the mysterious Asami, and as their relationship progresses, his carefully constructed world begins to unravel. The situation takes a disturbing turn, blurring the lines between his intentions and a terrifying reality, leading to a shocking and unforgettable conclusion.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Audition yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Audition (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Audition (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in contemporary Japan, reflecting modern societal themes around love, trust, and the complexities of grief. It explores the nuanced experiences of the characters against a backdrop that is both familiar and unsettling.

Location

Seaside Hotel, Ballet Studio

The seaside hotel serves as a crucial backdrop for the intimate escapade between Aoyama and Asami, symbolizing both a romantic getaway and the emergence of dark truths. The ballet studio represents Asami's past traumas and lost dreams, revealing her haunting history as a dancer whose career was tragically cut short.

🏨 Hotel 🎭 Studio

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:28

Main Characters – Audition (2001)

Meet the key characters of Audition (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Shigeharu Aoyama

Aoyama is a middle-aged widower navigating the painful journey of grief after losing his beloved wife. His longing for connection prompts him to seek love again, yet his vulnerability blinds him to the dangers surrounding Asami. His character arc explores themes of loss, hope, and the tragic consequences of misplaced trust.

👨‍❤️‍👨 Widower 😔 Grief

Asami Yamazaki

Asami presents herself as a delicate and enchanting woman, but beneath her gentle facade lies a deeply traumatized individual. Her unstable mental state and dark past drive her to extremes, revealing a horrifying obsession with Aoyama. Asami's duality highlights the complexities of her character, as both a victim of circumstance and a perpetrator of violence.

💃 Dance 😈 Obsession

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:28

Major Themes – Audition (2001)

Explore the central themes of Audition (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Obsession

The theme of love is depicted as both a profound connection and a consuming obsession. Aoyama's desire for companionship leads him to overlook Asami's red flags, illustrating how emotional scars can distort the perception of love. Asami’s warped understanding of love culminates in obsession, showcasing the tragic consequences of unreciprocated feelings.

🔪 Violence and Trauma

The film deeply explores the impacts of trauma, both physical and emotional, and how they can manifest in destructive ways. Asami's past abuse informs her violent actions, illustrating a cycle of pain and revenge. The graphic portrayal of violence serves to shock, revealing the darker side of human relationships.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:28

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Deceptive slow-burn movies like Audition

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Narrative Summary

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Movies about obsession and torture like Audition

Character studies where a single fascination spirals into a vortex of psychological and physical horror.For viewers chilled by the disturbing dynamic in Audition, this list features similar stories of dangerous obsession leading to psychological and physical torment. These films explore the darkest corners of human relationships with unflinching intensity and heavy emotional weight.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character, often driven by loneliness, grief, or desire, who becomes fixated on another person. This fixation blinds them to warning signs, and their pursuit leads to a complete loss of control, trapping them in a situation dominated by a manipulative or vengeful antagonist. The journey is one of power inversion and extreme psychological and physical suffering.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core thematic focus on the destructive nature of obsession and the visceral horror of torture, both psychological and physical. They are united by a bleak tone, high intensity, and a commitment to exploring trauma in its most extreme forms.

Unlock the Full Story of Audition

Don't stop at just watching — explore Audition in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Audition is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Audition Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Audition, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Audition Summary

Audition Timeline

Track the full timeline of Audition with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Audition Timeline

Audition Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Audition that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Audition Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Audition

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Audition: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Audition

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