Kokuho

Directed by
Lee Sang-il
Starring
Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, Min Tanaka, Ken Watanabe
Duration
175 min.
Year
2025
Language
Japanese
Age rating
Från 15 år
Tip from Cineville: Asiatiska Filmfestivalen

Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of Hanjiro Hana, a famous kabuki actor. Alongside Hanjiro's only son Shunsuke, Kikuo decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre and become a “onnagata “. For decades, the two young men grow and evolve together, from acting school to the grandest stages, amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals... One of them will become the greatest Japanese master of the art of Kabuki.

An astonishing epic that showcases the power of cinema in all its dimensions, Kokuho never loses its intensity, its grip, or its power to fascinate. Particular recognition goes to the make-up and hairstyling team, Oscar-nominated for their work, as well as to Ryō Yoshizawa, who brings Kikuo to life with remarkable physical commitment.

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