Kokuho

Kokuho

Kokuho

国宝

OFFICIAL SELECTION (JAPAN) - 2026 ACADEMY AWARDS - Best International Feature
OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2025 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL (Director’s Fortnight)
OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2025 NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (Special Presentation)
OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2025 JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL (Opening Night)

Spectacularly bringing the intricate style and all-consuming dedication of the Japanese Kabuki artist to the big screen, Sang-il Lee’s epic new drama KOKUHŌ is a decades-spanning tale charting the ambition, friendship and rivalry of two young trainees.

Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, gifted Kikuo (rising star Ryō Yoshizawa) is taken under the wing of famed Kabuki actor Hanjirō Hanai (played by the iconic Ken Watanabe, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Last Samurai). Alongside the great performer’s only son, Shunsuke (Ryūsei Yokohama), he dedicates his life to the artform – a centuries-old Japanese theatrical tradition known for its costumes, elaborate makeup and innovative stagecraft.

Over the ensuing decades, against the backdrop of stunning stagings of classic Kabuki tales, the destiny of the two young disciples entwines and twists - from acting school to the most prestigious stages - and their hearts suffer as much yearning, scandal and glory as their on-stage alter-egos. Only one of them will become the master of the art.

Based on the best-selling novel by Shūichi Yoshida, KOKUHŌ (which translates as 'National Treasure') stormed the Japanese box office in mid-2025, with demand escalating for months on the back of word of mouth, becoming a true cultural phenomenon. The film is currently ranked as the #2nd highest-earning live action drama in Japanese box office history.

"5 STARS! Brilliant. Monumentally ambitious and visually sumptuous, the film finds riveting drama on and off the kabuki stage." - Mark Schilling, THE JAPAN TIMES

"Engaging and vivid. Illuminates the highs and lows of Kabuki theatre, capturing the beautiful physicality and anguished storylines around which the performances revolve." - Ryan Swen, VARIETY
Release Date: Dec 11, 2025
Rating: M
Runtime: 174 mins

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