If you type "Audition" into Google Images, you will get back a bunch of shots of a pretty little Asian girl holding sinister objects and preparing to torture.  This film has been heralded because of said torture scene...and in ways it is utterly brilliant.  However, this film is more or less a bit sappy and melodramatic.  I know that is kind of the point so as to slap you in the face with those disturbing finale scenes, but I found myself bored, then intrigued, the horrified, then disappointed.  Act 1 is a man "auditioning" women for a new wife, in the guise of a new tv show and courting this cutie.  Act 2 is showing weird quirks of the girl and makes you a bit uncomfortable.  Act 3 is perverse, disgusting outrageousness....and never really explained or understood.  Wasn't great.