I’ll admit that, when I first saw Kokuho’s runtime, I hesitated. At nearly three hours, a period drama centred on the world of kabuki theatre hardly sounds like an easy recommendation. Yet few films this year have rewarded patience quite so generously. Rather than feeling overlong, Kokuho gradually draws you into a world that is both unfamiliar and utterly fascinating. By the time the credits roll, you no longer feel like an outsider observing an ancient Japanese art form—you feel as though you’ve lived inside it. It is a rare film that doesn’t simply tell a story but opens the door to an entire culture.
| Kokuho | Movie Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Year | 2025 |
| Genre | Historical Drama |
| Runtime | 174 min |
| Director | Lee Sang-il |
| Main Actors | Ryō Yoshizawa, Ryūsei Yokohama, Ken Watanabe, Mitsuki Takahata |
Set across several decades, Kokuho follows the life of Kikuo, a boy whose destiny changes dramatically after being taken into one of Japan’s most prestigious kabuki families. Alongside Shunsuke, the biological son of the celebrated actor who becomes his mentor, he dedicates his life to mastering one of Japan’s oldest and most demanding performing arts. Their shared journey becomes a story of ambition, discipline, friendship and sacrifice, unfolding against the rich traditions of kabuki theatre.
The greatest achievement of Kokuho is not simply its story but its extraordinary ability to immerse viewers in a cultural tradition that may be completely unfamiliar to them. Kabuki is often admired from a distance for its elaborate costumes and stylised performances, yet Lee Sang-il invites us behind the curtain. We witness the years of training, the physical discipline, the rituals, the hierarchy and the relentless pursuit of perfection that define the lives of its performers. By revealing both the spectacle on stage and the dedication required away from it, the film transforms kabuki from an abstract cultural symbol into something deeply human.
The production design is breathtaking throughout. Every performance feels meticulously crafted, from the magnificent costumes to the elaborate wigs, traditional make-up and stage sets. The attention to detail is extraordinary, but none of it feels ornamental. Each visual element serves the story while celebrating a theatrical tradition that has endured for centuries. Even viewers with no previous interest in kabuki may find themselves captivated simply by the artistry unfolding on screen. Critics have similarly praised the film’s costumes, make-up and its ability to demystify kabuki for international audiences.
Visually, Kokuho is nothing short of spectacular. Cinematographer Sofian El Fani captures the contrast between the intimate world behind the stage and the grandeur of the performances themselves with remarkable elegance. Rich colours, carefully composed frames and fluid camera movements create a film that constantly feels cinematic without ever overwhelming the emotional core of the story. The stage sequences are among the most beautiful of the year, balancing theatrical stylisation with genuine dramatic intensity.
The performances are equally extraordinary. Ryō Yoshizawa delivers one of the finest performances of his career, portraying Kikuo with remarkable emotional precision as he evolves from an uncertain boy into an artist entirely devoted to his craft. His work is complemented beautifully by Ryūsei Yokohama, whose relationship with Kikuo forms the emotional backbone of the film. Their evolving bond is portrayed with nuance and complexity, avoiding simple notions of friendship or rivalry in favour of something far richer. Ken Watanabe, despite a more limited role, brings immense gravitas to every scene, embodying both the prestige and the burden of artistic legacy.
Beneath its sumptuous visuals, Kokuho explores universal themes that extend far beyond the world of theatre. It reflects on the cost of artistic excellence, the tension between talent and inheritance, and the sacrifices demanded by a life devoted entirely to one’s craft. At the same time, it asks what it truly means to preserve tradition in a changing society, showing that great art survives only because each generation chooses to dedicate itself to those who came before.
Although its nearly three-hour runtime may initially appear intimidating, it ultimately becomes one of the film’s greatest strengths. The generous pacing allows the audience to experience the passage of time alongside its characters, giving emotional weight to their achievements and disappointments while immersing us fully in the rhythms of kabuki itself. Rather than rushing through decades of history, Kokuho allows every chapter to breathe, making its conclusion feel thoroughly earned.
The film premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival before becoming one of Japan’s biggest cinematic successes of the year. It was subsequently selected as Japan’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category, while its extraordinary craftsmanship and performances earned widespread critical acclaim both in Japan and internationally.
Kokuho is much more than a historical drama or a film about theatre. It is an invitation to discover one of Japan’s greatest artistic traditions through a story that remains deeply human from beginning to end. Rich in emotion, astonishing in its craftsmanship and endlessly fascinating in its cultural detail, it proves that great cinema can transport us not only to another place, but into another way of understanding art itself. If you are willing to give it the time it asks of you, Kokuho rewards that investment with one of the most immersive and unforgettable cinematic experiences of recent years.
