Kokuho

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2:10

Kokuho

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2h 54m

Drama

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93%

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42 Reviews

98%

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100+ Verified Ratings

Nagasaki, 1964 -- After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-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--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.

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Critics Consensus

A visual knockout that patiently explores the price that artists pay for their craft, Kokuho's astonishing technical virtues are only rivaled by Ryô Yoshizawa and Ryûsei Yokohama's superb performances.

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John Powers

NPR

3h

It's bursting with emotion and beauty; its costumes, hair and makeup are dazzling. Sang-il Lee's film tells a compelling story about friendship, the weight of history, the quest for perfection and the torturous road to becoming a living national treasure.

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Keith Uhlich

(All (Parentheses)) (Substack)

Feb 21

Koan-ically: If a movie compels in the moment but fades in recollect, does it make a sound?

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Thelma Adams

AARP Movies for Grownups

Feb 20

5/5

The average response to seeing a nearly three-hour Japanese movie about the art of Kabuki may be that it’s not your cup of (green) tea. But, you’d be sacrificing one of the awards season’s most gorgeous and stirring movies.

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Andrew Parker

The Gate

4d

9/10

Sang-il treats every character, development, and bit of tradition with respect and a delicate touch, all without feeling like a boring history lesson or a monotonous lyrical poem to forgotten traditions.

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Diane Carson

AWFJ.org

Feb 24

A

Over fifty years, through intertwined lives, Kikuo and Shunsuke grapple with their inheritance, their contrasting professional commitment or lack thereof, and their acceptance or rejection by the Kabuki world, all contributing to a consummate experience.

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Janet Reinschmidt

MovieJawn

Feb 20

Lee Sang-il lavishly explores the dedication, pain, and sacrifice it takes to become the titular Kokuho, or national treasure.

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Benjamin

1d

It was incredible! From casting, costume design, content, and superb acting, this movie is worth watching again and again. The performances in general were of very high standard! Fans of Kabuki must watch and those not familiar with Kabuki will be exposed to some of its intricacies and beauty.

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Mark M

1d

This movie was profound and emotional. One of the best movies I saw this year.

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Ruben

1d

Amazing movie! Great acting, beautiful cinematography, makeup and costumes!!!

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Jeffrey L

1d

I learned a lot from this movie. The dedication and behind the scenes of Kabuki theater. Story was well done and visually stunning to watch. This movie is almost 3hrs but move so well that it felt like 2hr show. Love it.

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Stan

1d

Well made, Amazing! The ending was very emotional, so glad I watched it

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Martin N

3d

It is a great movie. It has a perfect coming-of-age story. The plot is so compelling. Anyone can relate and identify with the characters in the movie.

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Lee Sang-il

Director

Ryô Yoshizawa

Kikuo Tachibana

Ryûsei Yokohama

Shunsuke Ogaki

Soya Kurokawa

Young Kikuo

Keitatsu Koshiyama

Young Shunsuke

Mitsuki Takahata

Harue Fukuda

Kokuho: Exclusive Featurette - Kabuki Training

2:22

Kokuho: Trailer 2

2:10

Kokuho: Trailer 1

1:29

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Synopsis

Nagasaki, 1964 -- After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-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--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.

Director: Lee Sang-il
Producer: Chieko Murata, Shinzô Matsuhashi
Screenwriter: Satoko Okudera
Distributor: GKIDS
Production Co: Aniplex
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 14, 2025, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $609.4K
Runtime: 2h 54m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Digital 2.39:1