Audition
American Cinematheque | Release Date: August 8, 2001 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
70
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Critic Reviews
Positive:
14
Mixed:
3
Negative:
2
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
New Times (L.A.)Andy Klein
A warning is virtually mandated: No one who's even the least bit squeamish should even think about seeing Audition. But, if you have a taste for the disturbing, it's a trip that will stay with you for some time. Read full review
80
The New York TimesA.O. Scott
The picture is about victims -- but it's also a great, sick rush with a kicker on the level of "The Vanishing." Read full review
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
The most startling aspect of this slow-building horror movie is how unexpectedly it morphs from a quietly romantic suspense yarn to a flat-out tale of terror that may have some viewers hiding under their seats. Read full review
89
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
Audition's take on the war between the sexes is bleak and almost entirely devoid of hope. --It's enough to make you give up dating altogether. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
A diabolically adroit piece of filmmaking that goes even further than the films of Italy's excruciatingly macabre Dario Argento. Read full review
70
L.A. WeeklyPaul Malcolm
How Miike gets us from amiable point A to debilitating point B is a remarkable act of manipulation and control that may leave you feeling sucker-punched, even brutalized, but you won't forget the experience anytime soon. Read full review
88
Chicago TribunePatrick Z. McGavin
Creates an atmosphere of frenzy that is both powerful and unforgettable, providing neither solace nor comfort. Read full review
50
Boston GlobeJim Sullivan
A long crawl from inception to climax.
30
Village VoiceDennis Lim
After simmering for an eternity, it derails, with spectacular, psychotic force, bulldozing its way toward an almost unwatchable theater of cruelty. Read full review
67
Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam Arnold
The first two-thirds of the movie are a kind of stumbling relationship drama, but the last third segues into a spooky feast of torture, mutilation and murder. Read full review
70
Film ThreatEric Campos
One of the most shocking Japanese horror films ever. It needs to be seen to be believed, but those with queasy stomachs would do well to stay away. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
Somewhere beyond the extremes of "Fatal Attraction" and "In The Company of Men" festers this elegantly composed, outrageously violent psycho thriller. Read full review
90
SlateDavid Edelstein
During the ghastly, surreal climax, I had fun closing one eye and with the other watching various ashen older men stumble toward the exit. Read full review
37
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
Possibly the sourest revenge movie ever, Audition starts off as a sweet, low-key romance, then abruptly turns into a grisly, sadistic thriller. Read full review
88
Baltimore SunChris Kaltenbach
The images here are graphic and disturbing. But Miike somehow manages to stop just short of disgusting.
75
San Francisco ChronicleBob Graham
This movie can be recommended only to dyed-in-the-wool fans of the genre. Anyone who goes into one of Miike's films must be prepared to be put through the wringer. Read full review
88
New York PostV.A. Musetto
The faint of heart might want to leave early. If you elect to stay, remember: You were warned. Read full review
60
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
Though I hate to ruin the complex experience of following a rather calm story about a lonely widower as it becomes something else, I feel obliged to point out that the hard-core gore and soft-core surrealism of this baroque morality play may not support any theme. Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerSteven Rea
Brazen shocker is never less than compelling -- even when you feel compelled to shut your eyes. Read full review
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