Director Takashi Miike is totally fucked up ... but brilliant. In the realm of Asian horror, he's what many would call "the man." (He also owns in action -- just check out this year's 13 Assassins for proof.)
In 1999's Audition (or Odishon, the original title), rubber gloves have never looked so creepy. The same goes for for needles, piano wire and open calls for new wives.
Audition is the kind of movie that will stick with you after you see it. It's a film and plot line you never see coming -- except that we're putting on our countdown (and others like Bravo have as well), so that sort of gives the horror aspect away. But, hey, it's 2011, so 12 years is more than enough time.
The story of a widower looking for a new wife is a slow build, but when it peaks, it comes without the shrieking soundtracks and usual elements of most other fright films on this list. It's unpredictable and unusual and absolutely terrifying. Even years after seeing it, I can still hear the innocent-sounding "kiri kiri kiri" call and feel the muscle memory of the first flinch just from looking at the cover.
Other than to say the acting by both Ryo Ishibashi and Eihi Shiina are perfection, I don't want to say much more. Only to tempt you with the most memorable scene(s) -- after the jump.
Most Memorable Scene:
The bag.
During the instances you see it closed, you automatically get that Brad Pitt "What's in the [bag]?!" sort of feeling. Then, when you do find out what's in the bag, you really wish you'd never known.
And yes, the "injection" scene is terrible, but the suspense of the bag tops it.
The Mixmaster's Horror Movie Countdown October 1: Halloween October 2: Antichrist October 3: Student Bodies October 4: Poltergeist October 5: Jaws October 6: Suspiria October 7: Scream October 8: The Fly October 9: Dead Alive October 10: Drag Me to Hell October 11: Se7en October 12: Rosemary's Baby October 13: Friday the 13th October 14: The Thing
