Audition
Performance & Direction: Audition Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Audition (2000) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Audition features a noteworthy lineup led by Ryo Ishibashi . Supported by the likes of Eihi Shiina and Jun Kunimura , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Audition
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2000, Audition is a Horror, Drama film directed by Takashi Miike. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ryo Ishibashi.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Seven years after the death of his wife, widower Shigeharu seeks advice on how to find a new wife from a colleague. Taking advantage of their position as a film company, they stage an audition. Interviewing a series of women, Shigeharu is enchanted by the quiet Asami. But soon things take a twisted turn as Asami isn’t what she seems to be. Director Takashi Miike uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Ryo Ishibashi's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Audition
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Takashi Miike, Audition resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to horror resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Ryo Ishibashi, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Audition reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Audition?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Ryo Ishibashi or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: Audition
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $250.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $359.9K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Audition Budget
The estimated production budget for Audition is $250.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Audition
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Where to Watch Audition Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsAudition Parents Guide & Age Rating
2000 AdvisoryWondering about Audition age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Audition is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Audition is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2000 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Audition worth watching?
Audition is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Audition parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Audition identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Audition?
The total duration of Audition is 115 minutes, which is approximately 1h 55m long.
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Critic Reviews for Audition
You'll only love me. Wont you? As the film lovers of the Western World clamoured for more Asian horror, along came Ôdishon (Audition), a one of a kind sort of pic. Its positive reputation is well deserved, though what negative press exists is certainly understandable. Run time runs close to two hours, and for ninety minutes of that time the film trundles along at a sedate pace. Director Takashi Miike is exploring the key characters, deftly providing an overlay of grief management, loneliness, sadness and even cruelty. There's a deliberately hallucinatory vibe to the narrative, with many thematic beats ticking away, though answers are not readily available, where both the lead protagonist and antagonist have blurry mindsets, or do they? It all builds to the Grand Guignol last quarter, where the film has gained its wince inducing rep. Worth the wait? Yes it is for sure, even if it is tinged with a sense of disappointment that there's one too many twists for twist sake. 7/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
