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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 8.Dec.25

Kokuhō
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

MUST SEE

dir Lee Sang-il
scr Satoko Okudera
prd Shinzo Matsuhashi
with Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Ken Watanabe, Min Tanaka, Shinobu Terajima, Mitsuki Takahata, Nana Mori, Takahiro Miura, Ai Mikami, Emma Miyazawa, Soya Kurokawa, Keitatsu Koshiyama
release Jpn 6.Jun.25,
US 14.Nov.25
25/Japan toho 2h54

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Lavishly produced with glorious costumes and a beautiful attention to period detail, this epic Japanese drama traces the life of a young onnagata, an actor who plays female roles in male-only kabuki theatre. And this one has a mob background. It's a riveting look into the culture of a distinctive art form, with glorious on-stage performances and even more involving back-stage interaction. It's very long, but powerfully well-made.

At a performance in 1964 Nagasaki, kabuki master Hanjiro (Watanabe) is impressed by 15-year-old onnagata Kikuo (Kurokawa). But Kikuo's yakuza father is murdered that night. To further his training, Kikuo moves in with Hanjiro, his fellow teacher wife (Terajima) and actor son Shunsuke (Koshiyama), who becomes his best friend. Seven years later, Kikuo (now Yoshizawa) and Shunsuke (Yokohama) get their big break on-stage. Meanwhile, Kikuo's girlfriend Harue (Takahata) won't marry him, while geisha Fujikoma (Mikami) pledges undying love. Over the years, both Kikuo and Shunsuke exerience soaring highs and painful lows in their careers.

Spanning five decades, the story reveals Kikuo as an artist willing to do the hard work to be the very best at his craft. Shunsuke calls him "bottomless" when it comes to learning new skills. His talent is even recognised by top onnagawa Mangiku (Tanaka), a kokuho or national treasure. By contrast, Shunsuke loves the party lifestyle, relishing his status as the child of a theatre dynasty, even as he recognises his friend's brilliance. All of this feeds into the narrative's ravishing textures.

Lead actors Yoshizawa and Yokohama studied kabuki for 18 months to prepare for these roles, which adds superb nuance in their distinct performances. Their vividly shaded relationship is the film's backbone, a brotherly rivalry with fascinating edges, as the apprentice shows more promise than the scion. Their complex bond is tight, as both experience success and failure. Watanabe brings unusual gravitas to his scenes as the harsh teacher who genuinely cares. And Tanaka is luminous as a theatrical legend.

Kabuki is heavily stylised and operatic; subtitles reveal plots of plays that unfold with breathtaking costumes and sets. Kikuo's elaborate back tattoo is a constant reminder that he comes from another world. As an outsider, he must use his talent to fight for respect in this closed world. The extended running time allows the filmmakers to properly explore this vibrant culture while creating a beautiful depiction of both brotherhood and the cost of artistic aspiration. It's a wonderful antidote to today's quest for instant fame.

themes, language, violence, sexuality 7.Dec.25

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL