Kokuho

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2:10

Kokuho

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2h 54m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

97%

Popcornmeter

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

Mar 3

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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Chase Hutchinson

The Inlander (Spokane, WA)

4d

While many key scenes linger in the mind — be it in a final poetic performance that mirrors the devastating opening — many also fade away as we hurry to the next development.

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Steve Morrissey

Radio Times

Mar 23

4/5

It may be too restrained for some, but there are spectacular visuals and gorgeous costumes to feast the eyes on.

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Jana Monji

Age of the Geek

Mar 14

5/5

This film asks a lot of questions about men and women and culture and does so gorgeously. There are some important cultural references that might be lost to most US audiences. I just wonder if at this time the US is ready for this film.

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Caleb de Rosa

Mar 22

Amazing acting, costume, make-up, the drama is top-tier and leaves you with a powerful message about life.

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Masatoshi

Mar 16

Japanese traditional emotion reminded me of my hometown.

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DOROTHY

Mar 15

Well acted. Beautiful kabuki performances. Three hours approximately goes quickly. Should be scene on a larger screen to appreciate the dance performances. A film best seen in the theatre.

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Long

Mar 8

The story-telling or script is very interesting and natural-feeling, without much pretentiousness or man-made component to meet current or popular narrative.

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Ali

Mar 5

Stunning Work of Art! The Best Film of the Year! The Passion of Kabuki Artistry before my eyes!!! Honor and Respect!

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Benjamin

Mar 2

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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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