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Kokuho
国宝
2025 174 min Japan 18+
★7.7
Drama
Director: Sang-il Lee
🎭 Based on
«Kokuho»
byShuichi Yoshida
Trailers
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Description
Nagasaki, 1964: Following the death of his yakuza father, 15-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, he decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. For decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – and one will become the greatest Japanese master of the art of kabuki.
Budget:
$8M
Worldwide:
$134.42M
Starring
Ai Mikami
Actor
Takahiro Miura
Actor
Emma Miyazawa
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 2026
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Key opinion
Kokuho is a visually and aurally immersive epic that masterfully revitalizes traditional Kabuki theater through high-stakes drama and exceptional performances. While some critics feel the narrative retreads familiar tropes, the film's technical precision and emotional resonance have made it a significant cultural phenomenon.
| Cinematography | The film utilizes masterful cinematography and lighting to transform traditional Kabuki rituals into a visually striking and immersive cinematic experience. | |
| Production | The production design, particularly the intricate makeup and costume work, captures the aesthetic precision of Kabuki with undeniable, Oscar-worthy quality. | |
| Acting | Ryô Yoshizawa and Ryûsei Yokohama anchor the film with enthralling performances that convey profound physicality and dedication to their craft. | |
| Score | The score effectively blends traditional Japanese sounds with European influences to heighten the emotional stakes of the narrative. | |
| Originality | The narrative's reliance on established tropes of betrayal and tragic ambition feels unoriginal to some, though others find its exploration of humanity in art deeply philosophical. | |
| Pacing | The near three-hour runtime rewards viewers who embrace its contemplative, slow-burn tempo, while others find the pacing demanding and potentially exhausting. |